THE ups and downs of National Hunt racing have been no better illustrated than with the news that Cheshire landlord Robert Lester's star horse Iris's Gift will be out injured for some months.

After the triumph of winning the Cheltenham Festival Stayers' Hurdle race in the spring, another exciting season was in prospect.

Indeed, the horse had been expected to make his debut over fences at Bangor-on-Dee Races at the meeting on Saturday, October 9.

However, a leg injury on the gallops at the training yard of Jonjo O'Neill will put the horse on the easy list for a time.

Bought by Lester for just £5,000, the grey has already amassed almost £300,000 in prize money, after winning 11 of his 16 races. While the aim had been to target the novices' version of the Cheltenham Gold Cup next March, he was also being quoted at 16-1 to beat Best Mate in the Blue Riband itself.

Jump racing fans will be hoping that the horse can return successfully from injury.

Meanwhile, another horse thought likely to embark on a successful career over fences is now looking forward to a more relaxing life in retirement.

Ulundi was third on his first race over the larger obstacles at Bangor-on-Dee's 'Countryside Day' last week. Trainer Paul Webber feels his stable stalwart won't make a success of steeplechasing, so his future will be either as a hack or at a jockeys' school helping to teach the riders of the future.

The final fixture of 2004 at Chester Racecourse is on Saturday, September 11. Scheduled first race time is 1.55pm. Admission: County Stand £25; Tattersalls & Paddock £20; Dee Stands £7; Open Course £5.

As well as via www.chester-races.co.uk, badges can be bought on the racecourse's credit card hotline on 01244 304610, which is open between 9am and 4.45pm, Mondays to Fridays. General e-mail inquiries to sales@chester-races.com

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse's next fixture is on Friday next week. First race time is 2.25pm. A free bus service runs from Wrexham Railway Station 90 minutes before racing starts, returning afterwards. Train passengers with tickets get priority.

Admission to the Course Enclosure is £6 while the Paddock Enclosure is £13. Accompanied children enter free.

More information is available on the website www.BangorOnDeeRaces. co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.