Kim Muir favourite Glenloe ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

Glenloe, a general 5-1 favourite for the Kim Muir, will miss the Cheltenham Festival due to a setback.

The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old topped the market for the handicap following some eyecatching runs at Navan and Limerick in December.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said on Friday: "He's had a little setback and will probably miss the rest of the season."

Glenloe was looking to better his previous effort at the festival, when a nose second in the 2018 Pertemps Final.

That form looks especially strong now as he was beaten by Delta Work, a subsequent five-time Grade 1 scorer over fences and leading player in this year's Magners Gold Cup.

Last season's National Hunt Chase winner Le Breuil is the new market leader for the Kim Muir. The Ben Pauling-trained horse is a general 8-1 chance for the event on March 12.

Cheltenham Festival entries

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips