Leading fancy for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, French star Theleme, has been ruled out following a setback.

Owned by the Gordon family, who are based in the UK, Theleme was being targeted at the Stayers' Hurdle after achieving five Grade 1 victories in France. The seven-year-old beat a competitive field of rivals in last year's Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil, including subsequent King George VII Chase winner Hewick and the Willie Mullins-trained Klassical Dream.

"It is disappointing, but that is what racing is all about, you have ups and downs," said Bertrand Le Metayer, racing manager for the Gordons.

Teahupoo heads the betting for the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with Paddy Power, as 7/2 favourite.