Disappointed Patrick Mullins to miss Cheltenham after ruling out turning pro

Patrick Mullins has ruled out turning professional, which would have allowed him to ride at the Cheltenham Festival, because of the requirement to spend a year in the paid ranks.

The BHA said last month that amateur riders would not be permitted to compete until at least March 29 due to the UK government's restrictions on grassroots sport, barring them from the meeting. The festival starts on March 16.

"I won't be going to Cheltenham," said the 31-year-old, the most successful amateur rider of all time, after a discussion with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's licensing committee.