Plans to run Norwegian star Rambo Flyer at the Cheltenham Festival have been scrapped after the horse was pulled up in last Saturday`s Pertemps Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
But trainer Are Hyldmo was today adamant that Scandinavia`s leading hurdler showed nothing like his true form and has not ruled out a return to Britain next year.
Rambo Flyer, who was on a reconnaissance mission for the Festival next March, led in the early stages of the race won by Barton but was pulled up by jockey John McLaughlin three flights from home.
Hyldmo explained: 'John pulled him up because he said Rambo Flyer made a noise. To be honest I was very disappointed as the horse seemed to be still travelling well at the time.
'Nothing like this has happened before and Rambo Flyer seems to be fine. Of course, his jockey had to make a decision out there but I just wish he hadn`t been pulled up so quickly.'
He added: 'The problem is that we are right back to square one - he wasn`t able to show his true running and we are none the wiser after such a long trip.
'I think he will now have a rest and be prepared for next year`s Scandinavian jumps season. Whether we come back and have another go we`ll have to see.'
