Mikael out of Cheltenham
Three-time Grade One winner Mikael D’Haguenet has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival.
Willie Mullins’ six-year-old was successful at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in 2009 but his comeback has been delayed a number of times due to minor injury concerns.
There had been hope that Mikael D’Haguenet might still head to Prestbury Park after he enjoyed a racecourse school following racing at Leopardstown on Sunday, but Mullins feels the showpiece meeting will come too soon.
Speaking on his Facebook page, the champion trainer said: “Mikael D’Haguenet is out of Cheltenham, he was stiff and sore after the piece of work on Sunday which means we couldn’t do any fast work with him today and we’ve run out of time for the Cotswolds.”
