Barry Connell has ruled Marine Nationale out of the Cheltenham Festival with a neck injury. The defending Champion Chaser will miss the race, while Lord Allen has quit as BHA Chair.
After a monumental day of stories, catch up on the racing news today with our round-up.
Marine Nationale to miss Champion Chase
2025 Champion Chase hero Marine Nationale has been ruled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The nine-year-old had been gearing up for his defence after finishing second at the Dublin Racing Festival. However, a neck strain has ensured Barry Connell’s charge will miss the Cheltenham Festival. His defection ensures the Festival now has its first definitive odds-on favourite in Majborough, as Marine Nationale will now target Punchestown. (Sporting Life)
Lord Allen out as BHA Chair
In a seismic decision at the top of the sport, Lord Allen has quit as BHA Chair. Having been unanimously appointed in 2024, Allen only took the role in September 2025. Proposing reforms to data rights and forming an independent board were at the top of his priority list, but after facing opposition from multiple factions within the BHA, he has decided to step down after just six months. His leaving ensures governance of the sport is thrown further into turmoil. (Racing Post)
Cheltenham latest: Gold Cup day sold out as police and bookmakers highlight concerns
Cheltenham Gold Cup day tickets have sold out according to the racecourse. The Gold Cup is run on the fourth and final day of the meeting, leaving the best until last. It is traditionally the most popular day of the week, situated on the Friday. Ticket prices had come in for their annual scrutiny, priced generally between £60-115, though costs have not put off this year’s punters, with a sell-out likely to provide a superb conclusion to the Festival. (Gloucestershire Live)
Cheltenham police’s decision to draft in local forces for aid during Cheltenham Festival week has come under scrutiny. Their former Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Martin Surl, has described the decision as risky. He suggested it showed a lack of leadership and confidence in Cheltenham’s police force to rely on others who do not “understand the county”. (BBC)
Bookmakers have revealed their biggest liabilities ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Many are fearful of a Thursday accumulator featuring Lossiemouth, Teahupoo and Fact To File, if all three of those horses contest the Mares’ Hurdle, Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase respectively. Others have suggested opening day favourites are a worry. Both Old Park Star and The New Lion are among the best results for punters at this stage. (Racing Post)
Keane stranded in Dubai
Lastly, Colin Keane remains stranded in Dubai due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Keane, a multiple Champion Jockey on the flat in Ireland, is due for his first Cheltenham Festival ride next week. Noel Meade has booked him for the Champion Bumper aboard The Mourne Rambler. However, as with many racing figures at Meydan, he is currently without transport out of the city state. Dubai International Airport was closed prior to Iranian missiles striking it over the weekend. (Irish Mirror)