Adamant Approach, a strong fancy for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, has pulled a muscle and is "very doubtful" for next Wednesday's race.
The six-year-old, winner of his only start at Leopardstown last month, was not among the eight-strong party that left Willie Mullins's Irish stable in County Carlow this morning.
"He's very doubtful at this stage as he's pulled a muscle in his shoulder," said trainer Willie Mullins's wife Jackie today.
Adamant Approach had drifted to 8-1 with Corals yesterday, having been 6-1.
The Mullins raiders travelled by boat and are expected to be the first equine arrivals for next week's Festival later this afternoon.
Even if Adamant Approach does not make it to Cheltenham, Mullins could have four runners in the Bumper _ Tuesday, Ballyamber, Be My Royal and Joe Cullen.
Mrs Mullins reported the stable's main hope Florida Pearl to be in tremendous shape for next Thursday's Tote gold Cup in which he finished third last year.
"Florida Pearl is in great form," she said.
