Gold Cup contender L'Homme Presse ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

An impressive winner of the Brown Advisory Chase at least year's Cheltenham Festival, L'Homme Presse was still fancied by many to win the 2023 Gold Cup. Venetia Williams' star fell when booked for second behind Bravemansgame in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, but the horse got up quickly following that final fence tumble.

Despite that blip, L'Homme Presse still sat third in the Gold Cup betting, behind hot-favourite Galopin Des Champs and defending champion A Plus Tard. Sadly, any tilt at the Gold Cup will have to wait for next season, after Williams ruled her star out of this season's meeting.

Williams told the press, "We have given L'Homme Presse some time to get over his exertions in the King George before carrying out some veterinary investigations which have concluded today.

"Unfortunately, these have revealed that he has a couple of issues that, although temporary, mean that he will not be able to run in this year's Gold Cup.

"He will be given time and patience to recover fully and we will monitor his rehabilitation over the next few weeks before making a decision on any future races in the spring."

Following L'Homme Presse's withdrawal, Grand National winner Noble Yeats has been cut into 6/1 for the 2023 Gold Cup. Bravemansgame, Protektorat and Stattler can also be backed at single-figure prices.