TRAINER Alan King has been dealt yet another injury blow with the news Bensalem has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 10-year-old only returned from a near two-year absence with a fine run behind Harry Topper at Exeter a fortnight ago, yet King has been forced to withdraw him from the JLT Specialty Chase at the big meeting.

Bensalem won the Festival handicap two years ago and was well fancied to go close again off the same mark.

The Barbury Castle handler told his website, alankingracing.co.uk: "It is such a shame as we were delighted with his run against Harry Topper at Haldon (Exeter).

"He worked very well on Saturday morning, but we weren't happy with him a couple of days later so had him scanned on Tuesday night and it revealed a suspensory.

"He had been off 22 months and these things happen - often when you patch one thing, something else crops up."

King has been without Reynoldstown Chase winner Invictus, Grade One-winning hurdler Grumeti, the classy grey Medermit and the promising Batonnier all season.

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