The Grade 1 Navan Novice Hurdle has been reduced to just two runners after the Noel Meade-trained pair Apache Stronghold and Very Wood have both ruled out.

Doubts arose yesterday about the participation of Apache Stronghold and it was confirmed this morning that the gelding would miss the race due to a foot abscess.

A statement on the yards blog site read:- "Unfortunately Apache Stronghold won't run today at Navan. He is ok but not 100% so will miss out today and will run at Christmas instead."

The local trainer suffered a further blow in the two and a half mile contest when Very Wood was found to be off feed.

This leaves Cheltenham Bumper winner Briar Hill to face just one rival in Azorian