The news that the leading fancy for the Arkle Trophy would not run came just hours after Constitution Hill was withdrawn from the Champion HurdleAnother favourite at next week’s Cheltenham Festival has been ruled out by injury on a brutal day for ante-post punters. Hours after Constitution Hill was declared a non-runner in the Champion Hurdle, it was announced Marine Nationale would not make the Arkle Trophy. Like Constitution Hill, Marine Nationale was a winner at last year’s Festival, capturing the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Punters soon took to social media to express their frustration with one writing, “Ballyburn set to run in the Ballymore - instead of the Supreme - Constitution Hill and Marine Nationale ruled out 2024 Cheltenham Festival and Irish Point likely redirected to Champion Hurdle. Back to the drawing board.”Connell said: "“He basically needs six weeks off and he has got a minor suspensory strain.

Source: Express March 05, 2024 02:13 UTC