Supreme Novices' fancy Dusart 'very doubtful' for Cheltenham after setback

Dusart, a leading contender for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, is set to miss the Cheltenham Festival after a setback, trainer Nicky Henderson revealed on Thursday evening.

Owned by Ronnie Bartlett, Dusart created a fine impression when winning on his debut at Newbury in November, earning single-figure quotes for the opening race of the four-day fixture.

Henderson had planned to run Dusart at Ascot before Christmas, but his next appearance is now uncertain.

Watch Dusart win on debut at Newbury

Henderson, detailing the news in his Unibet blog, said: "Without going into all the unnecessary gory details, he had an accident at home and is still at the equine hospital, but he's doing well and will definitely be back although I cannot say if he will be back this season or not.

"The vets are all pleased with his progress and hopefully he will be coming back to Seven Barrows next week but it's definitely too early to be issuing a prognosis on it and I've got to say it's very doubtful that he will be going to Cheltenham.

"He's a big, big baby of a horse and I've spoken to his owner, Ronnie Bartlett, and we both considered that it wouldn't be the end of the world if we missed out the rest of this season and brought him back next year because he's still got plenty of maturing to do.

"Obviously it's very unfortunate for everyone but he is going to be very good and has chaser written all over him. Who knows, he might recover very quickly and be ready in time for the spring but it's just too early to say and at this stage I would say it's unlikely he'll make March."

By Flemensfirth, Dusart is a half-brother to Simonsig, who struck at two Cheltenham Festivals for Henderson and Bartlett.

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