Sublimity has been ruled out of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham due to a leg injury, his trainer Robbie Hennessy has confirmed.

The 2007 winner was initially well fancied for this year’s race and appeared back to his best in a recent Leopardstown run but his absence means the likes of Go Native (10/3 ante-post favourite with totesport), Zaynar (8/1, pictured) and Binocular (currently 9/1) have improved claims.

The 10-year-old’s injury ahead of the big race a week Tuesday at the Festival has left Hennessy frustrated.

He said: “He’s got a suspensory injury. It’s just a knock and it’s hard to really know how he did it – it could have been rolling around in his box, getting cast or in a routine gallop.

“He’s lame and the vets have told us he needs three months’ rest so he won’t be back this season.

“We’re all gutted here. It’s a shame as he had a really good gallop at Leopardstown last week. It’s just one of those things. He could be sound again in two weeks’ time but he just needs the time off as he could end up lame again.”

Check out totesport’s latest ante-post odds for the Champion Hurdle here.