There is a glittering equine cast for this year’s Festival but a few leading lights have sick notes and will miss the show. Here are the most notable absentees.
More Of That
Was found to have bled after a piece of work last month and will not be back to defend his Ladbrokes World Hurdle crown.
Rock On Ruby
The 2012 Champion Hurdle winner was another intended World Hurdle runner until working below-par and scoping dirty over the weekend.
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Dynaste
Strained a hind leg injury after running at Cheltenham in January. Had been ante-post favourite to win a second Ryanair Chase
Western Warhorse
Shock winner of the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase last season but has missed this season with tendon trouble.
Cue Card
The two-time Festival winner misses out because of a small breathing issue. Last year a pelvic problem prevented him running.
My Tent Or Yours
Runner-up in the Stan James Champion Hurdle 12 months ago but another on the sidelines after suffering a tendon injury.
O’Faolains Boy
Game winner of the RSA Chase last year but disappointed at Aintree the following month and has not run since because of one or two issues.
Balthazar King
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The best cross-country horse in Britain is perfectly well but Philip Hobbs, his trainer, wants to keep him fresh for the Crabbie’s Grand National.
Present View
Won on the opening day of the meeting last year but misses out this time because of a leg injury revealed last month.
Al Ferof
The 2011 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner is another with a breathing issue.
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Aurore D’Estruval
Was a leading hope for today’s OLBG Mares’ Hurdle but ruled out by an untimely minor setback.
Champagne West
One of this term’s leading novice chasers but hurt a hock when taking a tumble at Sandown Park in January.