Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins has had another set-back in his preparation for Cheltenham.

Mulins has just confirmed that Champion Hurdle contender Arctic Fire has been ruled out of next month's festival.

The seven-year-old will have to undergo surgery to remove a small bone fragment that means he will be unable to take his place in the field.

The withdrawal follows on from last week's news that stablemate Faugheen would also miss the rest of the season.