Willie Mullins has revealed Energumene will miss the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham after suffering a setback.
The seven-year-old has made a huge impression in winning his first three starts over fences this season – completing his hat-trick with a brilliant display in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown last month.
A mouthwatering clash with the Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin looked one of the most exciting match-ups of this year's Festival, but Mullins confirmed in a statement on his website Energumene will not be part of his travelling squad.
He said: "Energumene has met with a setback and unfortunately won’t be running at the Cheltenham Festival next week."
Energumene(5-6F), racing in the blue and white silk of Brighton owner Tony Bloom, seals victory in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown with an exuberant display from the front. #DublinRacingFestival #rteracing pic.twitter.com/EZFevfEjqi
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) February 6, 2021
