Racing’s ‘next superstar’ and massive Cheltenham fancy ruled out of Festival after suffering setback

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A HORSE dubbed racing’s ‘next superstar’ and massive Cheltenham chance has been ruled out of the Festival.

Devastating Ascot bumper winner Windbeneathmywings – who was as short as 6-1 for the Champion Bumper – has suffered a setback.

Gutted trainer David Pipe wrote on X: “Windbeneathmywings will not be running in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

“He has suffered a setback and so we will give him all the time he needs.

“It is a big blow for his owners and our team but our main priority is to get him right.”

Sent off 3-1 under jockey Jack Tudor for his last run, the five-year-old chestnut gelding ran his rivals into the ground and cruised home hard held by 14 lengths.

He was instantly slashed from 50-1 to 8-1 favourite for the bumper on the back of it.

But a peculiar rule meant he couldn’t run again before the big race.

Those planning to compete in the Champion Bumper are not allowed to have raced more than three times.

The rule is extended to four if one of those races is in a Listed or Graded contest – as Windbeneathmywings’ last race was.

It meant that breathtaking victory last December is likely to be his final race this season, having run in Ireland before for trainer Patrick Flynn.