Cheltenham winner Defi Du Seuil to miss Aintree after suffering setback

Cheltenham Festival winner Defi Du Seuil has been ruled out of Aintree after knocking a joint in a routine piece of work at trainer Philip Hobbs' yard.

The six-year-old landed the Grade 1 JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham last month and was hot favourite to follow up in the Devenish Nutrition Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree on Thursday.

However, Hobbs revealed to the Racing Post on Tuesday morning: "Unfortunately Defi Du Seuil has knocked his off-fore fetlock joint in a little piece of work and he cannot be ridden for at least a couple of days.

"In the circumstances he cannot run at Aintree on Thursday, which is a big blow for his owner JP McManus and everybody at the yard as he would have had a leading chance in the race."

Aintree's loss could be Fairyhouse's gain, as Hobbs added: "However, the hope is that he will soon recover from this very minor setback and will be able to run at Fairyhouse over the Easter weekend later this month in the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup."

In Defi Du Seuil's absence, Glen Forsa, who unseated his rider at the fourth fence when well fancied for the Racing Post Arkle at the festival last month, has been promoted to Manifesto favourite, at around 9-4. Defi Du Seuil had been no better than 5-4 market leader.

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