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French-trained star hurdler Theleme ruled out of Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham

The nine-year-old was due to travel to Prestbury Park from Arnaud Chaille-Chaille and Francois Pamart's yard today but plans are now on hold for the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle entrant

[Theleme was entered in the Grade Two Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials Day ]

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Theleme was entered in the Grade Two Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials Day (Image: X)

Long-absent Theleme has been ruled out of making his comeback on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The nine-year-old, trained by Arnaud Chaille-Chaille and Francois Pamart, was priced up by bookmakers as the second favourite for the Grade Two Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle.

But Theleme will not have the chance to try and emulate Gold Tweet, the first French winner in 18 years at the one-day fixture when he secured the 2023 renewal.

"Unfortunately Theleme scoped dirty and won't be running at Cheltenham," said Bertrand Le Metayer, racing manager for owners JDG Bloodstock Services.

Around this time two years ago, the five-time scorer at Grade One level was disputing favouritism for the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo, who went on to beat two-time titleholder Flooring Porter.

Theleme could not take his chance after a setback and he has not raced since, with his current absence standing at 805 days.

He had been 5-2 for the Cleeve after recent support, with conditions easing to his preferred racing surface.

On home terrain, Theleme's top honours include the 145th edition of the Champion Hurdle over a distance of 3m1f, when he had Willie Mullins runner Klassical Dream and Shark Hanlon's Hewick behind him.

Defending champion Herms Baie had to settle for the silver medal in the 2013 contest, as the winner took his career earnings to one million euros.

Theleme is a 16-1 chance in the market for the 2026 Stayers' Hurdle on March 12.

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