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Sprinter a Cheltenham non-runner

Sprinter SacreSprinter Sacre
© Photo Healy Racing

Sprinter Sacre will miss his intended reappearance at Cheltenham in the Shloer Chase on Sunday because of the deteriorating ground conditions.

After 6mm of overnight rain, the going was officially described as Soft, Good to soft in places prior to racing, but that was changed to Soft, Heavy in places after the Paddy Power Gold Cup despite no further rain arriving during the afternoon.

Conditions have been deemed too soft for last season's thrilling Arkle winner and trainer Nicky Henderson said: "I am sorry but I'm not going to run him. Sadly the ground has gone against us. There are only three weeks between now and the Tingle Creek and he can go there without a run.

"What we're trying to do is make all of these decisions tonight and that's what we have decided."

Henderson indicated that Cash And Go and Captain Conan were likely runners, but that Darlan's participation in the Racing Post Hurdle was "in serious doubt".