Media Puzzle has setback in Dubai

RACING: The Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle has had a setback in Dubai and is doubtful for next month's Sheema Classic at …

RACING: The Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle has had a setback in Dubai and is doubtful for next month's Sheema Classic at the World Cup meeting.

Trainer Dermot Weld reported yesterday: "Media Puzzle has had a slight setback in training and there has to be a doubt about the Sheema Classic. I will know more at the weekend and make a decision then."

Media Puzzle is one of three Weld-trained horses in Dubai and Mutakarrim also holds a Sheema Classic entry. However, before that Mutakarrim will run in the Khas El Dhaleb over 14 furlongs in two weeks' time.

It was confirmed yesterday that Be My Royal has tested positive for morphine. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was one of the six horses that were positive after the latest B sample results.

The Tony Martin-trained Classic Note, a winner at Cheltenham on November 16th, is one of the others.

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Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column