Le Richebourg To Miss Cheltenham

Antepost favourite Le Richebourg is out of Cheltenham and will not race for the rest of the season.

Trainer Joseph O'Brien said the following on his Betfair blog: "Unfortunately, Le Richebourg will not run in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival and will miss the rest of the season.

"He worked routinely on Saturday, but we weren’t happy with him afterwards and further investigations this morning have revealed that he has picked up an injury that rules him out for the rest of the season.

"It is very disappointing for everyone here, as he has been brilliant all season and we were very much looking forward to seeing him in action at Cheltenham. We hope that he will return to the track next season and pick up where he left off.

Le Richebourg had won four of his five starts over fences including his last two at Grade 1 level at Leopardstown.

Another leading Irish fancy for the Arkle Challenge Trophy, Cilaos Emery, is doubtful for the race having pulled a muscle while schooling at Navan just over a week ago.