The Nigel Twiston-Davies camp was dealt with a sizeable blow on Monday morning with Broadway Boy being forced to miss the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The progressive six-year-old, who was a general 10/1 chance for the staying novice chase on Wednesday, had been in line to take on leading Irish contender Fact Or File following a piece of work connections described as 'exceptional.'

However, following an "unsatisfactory tracheal wash," the three-time course winner will not be taking part at Cheltenham.

Assistant trainer Willy Twiston-Davies said on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Gut-wrenching news but Broadway Boy will not be running at Cheltenham after an unsatisfactory tracheal wash this morning. He's very bright and well but just isn't 100 per cent so we will now look to Aintree."

Fact Or File is now as short as 4/5 for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Stay Away Fay next in the market at 11/4.