Huge Cheltenham Festival favourite OUT as punters mourn ‘darkest day in history’ for ante-post betting

HUGE Cheltenham Festival favourite Marine Nationale is OUT, trainer Barry Connell confirmed.

Punters were left mourning ‘the darkest day in history for ante-post punters’ with the news last year’s Supreme winner was out of the Arkle.

PA

Jockey Michael O’Sullivan celebrates after winning the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle with horse Marine Nationale on day two of the Winter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse, County Meath. Picture date: Sunday December 4, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story RACING Fairyhouse. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. […][/caption]

It came just hours after Nicky Henderson revealed Constitution Hill will also miss this year’s Festival.

More to follow.