Ireland’s hopes of another bonanza at Cheltenham next month have suffered a massive double blow on Monday afternoon.
Willie Mullins has confirmed that both Faugheen and Min are out of next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Faugheen had been touch-and-go for the Champion Hurdle having missed her scheduled comeback at last month’s Irish Champion Hurdle.
The nine-year old has a stress fracture.
Min was second favourite for the Arkle, but has been suffering from a knee injury in the wake of the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
It’s the third major withdrawal Mullins has suffered ahead of this year’s festival, with Annie Power ruled out of defending her Champion Hurdle crown.