Willie Mullins-trained Monkfish ruled out with tendon injury; seven-year-old was among the favourites for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup; stablemate Min has been retired after pulling up injured in Ryanair Chase in March
Wednesday 22 September 2021 08:38, UK
Willie Mullins-trained Monkfish has been ruled out for the season after suffering a tendon injury, while stablemate Min has been retired.
Monkfish was a three-time Grade One winner over fences last term, including the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but was beaten by fellow Mullins inmate Colreevy on his final outing of the year at
Punchestown.
The seven-year-old was already among the favourites for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he will not be racing this term.
Mullins told sportinglife.com: "Unfortunately he has an issue with a tendon and it requires the season off."
The Closutton handler also reported Min, a seven-time Grade One winner, will bow out after suffering an injury when pulled up in the Ryanair Chase back in March.
Min earned £966,873 in prize money during a stunning career in which he won 12 of his 24 races and finished second a further six times, including in multiple battles with recently retired star Altior.
Mullins added: "He gave Susannah and Rich [Ricci, owners] and the team here some wonderful days over the years, including the win at Cheltenham, and was a tremendous horse."
