Gentleman De Mee will be absent from Wednesday’s Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, having been diagnosed with an infection.
The seven-year-old had returned to form in impressive style when winning the Grade 1 Dublin Chase at Leopardstown last month, with a clever front-running ride from Danny Mullins seeing the gelding win by seven lengths. He had been available at 8-1 for the Champion Chase.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said a setback meant Gentleman De Mee would not be travelling. They are waiting on further veterinary advice. This will be the second year in a row that the son of Saint Des Saints has missed the festival, having also skipped it last year and won the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.
As a result, Willie Mullins will rely solely on defending champion Energumene in the Champion Chase, with Blue Lord targeting a run in the Ryanair Chase. Clarence House Chase winner Editeur Du Gite saw their odds shorten to 9-2 from 5-1, with Edwardstone still favourite at 6-4 to reverse the form with Gary Moore's Trials day conqueror.
