Cheltenham Festival News
	Wednesday 11th February 2015

Shake up for Ryanair as Dynaste is ruled out

Jockeys and trainers have been dealt a particularly harsh blow just one month ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, as officials have confirmed that Dynaste will miss the 2015 meeting.

Dynaste
© Racehorse Photos

Dynaste, who won praise from fans all around the world after winning the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham 2014, has been ruled out of the festival after suffering a hind leg injury. The Grey Gelding would have been running at his fourth Cheltenham Festival this year, but acquired the injury during the Cheltenham Trials Day in January.

The nine-year-old was formerly favourite to win this year's Ryanair Chase, and his absence will likely disappoint both trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore. Pipe recently told the Racing Post: “It's nothing serious but he's too good to risk and the chances are good for him to be back for a full season come next autumn.”

Jockey Scudamore added: “It's very disappointing and he'll leave a big hole as far as Cheltenham is concerned; that's for sure.”

Dynaste has earned a name for himself as one of the biggest names at Cheltenham and on the racing circuit in general. He has won seven of his 23 career starts, and was second only to Silviniaco at the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park last December.

It's not the only let down for racers at this year's Cheltenham Festival. Sources have confirmed that Al Ferof will also be absent from the 2015 meeting, which is set to kick off from 10th March.

The Grey Gelding will miss both the Cheltenham Festival and Ascot, following surgery on his epiglottis. His trainer, Paul Nichols, told fans on his blog: “Al Ferof has a minor problem which rules him out of his intended target in the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday, and also the Cheltenham Festival.

“He has a partially entrapped epiglottis which requires minor corrective surgery, so Ascot and Cheltenham are ruled out as he will be recovering, but the aim is to get him ready for Aintree and Punchestown.”

It's not all bad news for fans of the 155-year-old festival however, and there are many exciting racers set to make their mark this year. The Neptune is set to be particular exciting as Value At Risk has now been tipped as the winner, while the Gold Cup consistently delivers every year.

Celebrating 155 years of fun, fashion and fast-paced action, the 2015 Cheltenham Festival will be anything but disappointing.