Another blow for Willie Mullins as Arctic Fire out

Arctic Fire has been ruled out of the Stan James Champion Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival due to injury.

Having chased home stable companion Faugheen in last year’s renewal and in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month, Arctic Fire looked a major contender for top honours next month following last week’s shock news that Faugheen would miss the remainder of the season after suffering a setback.

However, Willie Mullins’s hopes of retaining the hurdling crown have been dealt another major blow, with the champion trainer confirming last night that Arctic Fire would not be making the journey to Prestbury Park.