Gerri Colombe ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival

Gold Cup contender Gerri Colombe has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival and the remainder of the National Hunt season through injury.

The Gordon Elliott-trained nine-year-old was runner-up to Galopin Des Champs in last year's race and was amongst the favourites for this year's renewal.

His chances of going one better this time around were ended after his trainer confirmed that an untimely setback was enough to end his season prematurely.

Gerri Colombe ended last season by winning the Bowl Chase at Aintree but he was off the pace in a Grade 1 appearance at Down Royal in November, finishing 3rd and 13 lengths behind the impressive Envoi Allen.

The withdrawal from the Gold Cup means that the likes of Fact To File and Banbridge are next in the betting after the favourite Galopin Des Champs, whose odds have tumbled further following a third successive Irish Gold Cup win.

For all information such as guides, horses and odds, be sure to explore our dedicated hubs where you can also bet on Cheltenham on every race and bet on the Gold Cup. Maximise your potential winnings with our Cheltenham Super Boosts and other Cheltenham Betting Offers.  For expert analysis and predictions on every race, visit our Cheltenham Festival Tips page.

Matt Gibbs

• Cheltenham Racecourse
• • 
  •