Defending champion Allaho ruled out of Cheltenham Festival after abdominal bleed

13 February 2023 , 13:02

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Allaho will not bid for a third win in the Ryanair Chase after suffering an abdominal bleed (Image: Getty Images)

Willie Mullins ’s star Allaho, winner of the last two Ryanair Chases, will miss the Cheltenham Festival after suffering an abdominal bleed.

The problem was discovered after the nine-year-old’s most recent work last Saturday in his build-up to a third crack at the Festival feature next month, for which he had been the hot favourite.

Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson broke the news when he released a statement to PA Media.

“Having worked pleasingly this past Saturday, Allaho was found to be uncomfortable after working and was then taken to the Fethard Equine Hospital, where he was found to have suffered some sort of abdominal bleed.," the statement said.

“Although a very rare condition, this was obviously of great concern. However, following treatment his condition appears to have stabilised.

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“According to Willie Mullins this morning, Allaho is bright and comfortable with a normal heart rate, so obviously this is most encouraging, but we have to play things day by day.”

Allaho was a brilliant winner of the Ryanair in 2021 under Rachael Blackmore and successfully defended his crown with a sublime front-running performance last season in the hands of Paul Townend.

He stepped up to three miles to win the Punchestown Gold Cup the following month, but has not been seen in competitive action since, with an autumn setback ruling out a possible tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton Boxing Day.

Fakir D’oudairies is the new 3-1 joint favourite with Allaho’s stablemate Blue Lord in William Hill’s revised betting with Shishkin, who is due to run at Ascot this weekend, a 9-2 chance.

Jon Lees