Coney Island has been ruled out of the Cheltenham festival which begins in 11 days time.
The six year old who is owned by JP MacManus had been supplemented for the RSA Chase and JLT Novices Chase. He was a best priced 6-1 for the RSA Chase which is the race he was most likely to run in.
His trainer, Eddie Harty announced the news on Friday morning saying:
"Unfortunately Coney Island won't be running at Cheltenham. He badly bruised a foot during the week and there is no way he will have recovered in time to travel."
No Cheltenham for Coney Island after trainer Eddie Harty reveals bruised foot blow >>> https://t.co/fX09pqcrFe pic.twitter.com/0W7QbQojFh
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) March 3, 2017
Coney Island is a grade 1 winner having taken the Drinmore Novice Chase over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse in December. On his most recent run, in Leopardstown, he had to settle for second in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase over three miles as he came up short by half a length to Our Duke who is trained by Jessica Harrington.
Mite Bite heads the betting for the RSA Chase at a price of 11-4.
