Cheltenham Festival 2015 latest: Aurore D’Estruval out of Mares’ Hurdle

Aurore D’Estruval ruled out of Mares’ Hurdle
Aurore D’Estruval, who had been 9/2 second favourite with Coral for the Mares’ Hurdle, has been ruled out of the contest after suffering a setback.

The five-year-old had emerged as Britain’s chief hope for the Grade 1 event on Tuesday, March 10th, having won two of her three starts this season.

However, trainer John Quinn revealed today that the five-year-old has suffered a setback which had caused her to miss five days of work and she would not be ready in time.

He added that it was nothing serious, and it was hoped that the mare would be back in action at Aintree or Punchestown.

Aurore D’Estruval’s defection has resulted in the Willie Mullins trained Annie Power shortening even further for the 2m 4f contest and she is now 4/7 with Coral.

McLernon confirmed to partner Gold Cup hope Holywell
Richie McLernon has been confirmed as the rider of Cheltenham specialist Holywell in the Gold Cup at next month’s Festival.

He has guided the Jono O’Neill trained gelding to success at the last two Festivals, landing the Pertemps Final in 2013 and the Baylis & Harding Handicap Chase 12 months ago.

The eight-year-old, who is 10/1 with Coral for the Gold Cup on Friday, March 13th, bounced back to form last time out at Kelso when scoring by 25 lengths in the hands of AP McCoy.

But, with McCoy having committed himself to partner the JP McManus-owned Carlingford Lough, the way has been left clear for McLernon to renew what has been a very successful partnership with Holywell.