Willie Mullins forced to rule Benie Des Dieux out of Cheltenham Festival 

After going on to win the French Champion Hurdle in 2019, Benie Des Dieux was the hot favourite for last year’s Mares’ Hurdle, but came off second best in an epic battle with Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore jump the last to win the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle fro Benie Des Dieux and Paul Townend last year. Willie Mullins has announced that Benie Des Dieux will play no part in next month's festival. Picture: Healy Racing

Benie Des Dieux has been ruled out of next month’s Cheltenham Festival by trainer Willie Mullins.

Winner of the Mares’ Hurdle at the showpiece meeting in 2018, the 10-year-old fell at the final flight when seemingly set to successfully defend her crown in the same race 12 months later.