Hammer blow for Mullins after three stars are ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

Willie Mullins was hit with a triple whammy on Friday when Saldier, Klassical Dream and Douvan were all ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival.

Saldier was as short as 9-2 for the Unibet Champion Hurdle following his stylish comeback in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November, but a setback ruled him out of a Christmas appearance, and he did not make the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle either.

Champion Hurdle card

Mullins reported that Saldier had not progressed enough to take his place in the day-one showpiece and Klassical Dream will also be absent with a leg infection. Last year's Supreme winner was priced between 8-1 and 10-1.

Writing in his Racing Post column, Mullins said: "I have to report that both Klassical Dream and Saldier are out of the Unibet Champion Hurdle picture and won't be going to the festival.

Klassical Dream (centre) and Saldier (right) won't run at CheltenhamCredit: Alain Barr

"We had to withdraw Klassical Dream from the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle last weekend, but the leg infection he picked up and which looked a minor problem on Friday night has turned out to be a bit more serious and we've decided to leave him alone. Unfortunately, he's going to miss the rest of the season.

"Saldier hasn't progressed well enough since the setback he had after winning the Morgiana Hurdle in November and he won't make the Festival. We'll just have to see how things go and, hopefully, he might make it back for Punchestown."

Champion Chase card

Douvan looked back to his best when scooting clear to win the Clonmel Oil Chase in November but Mullins has not been pleased with his progress of late so a trip to the Cotswolds for the Betway Champion Chase has been ruled out.

The trainer said: "It's the same story with Douvan and he, too, won't be going to the festival where he is entered for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Douvan: 'we're just not happy with him'Credit: Patrick McCann

"He started the season so well when winning the Clonmel Oil Chase in good style in November on his return from a lengthy absence, but he hasn't run since and we're just not happy with him. Whether he'll be right to go to Punchestown remains to be seen."

Douvan was as short as 9-1 with Sky Bet but Betfair and Paddy Power were both 20-1 before the news emerged. Douvan's owners, Rich and Susannah Ricci, are still likely to be represented by Chacun Pour Soi who was an impressive winner of the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday.

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