Trainer Willie Mullins has pulled Benie des Dieux out of next month's Cheltenham Festival. 

The 10-year old was due a run in the Mares Hurdle, a race which she won in 2018.

Benie des Dieux was second behind Honeysuckle in last year's renewal, having fallen at the final hurdle when poised for victory in 2019.

That second placed finish at Cheltenham last year was Benie des Dieux's last outing.

And speaking on Tuesday evening, Mullins said, "Benie des Dieux hasn't been pleasing me in our quest to get her to Cheltenham and regrettably we have had to make the decision to withdraw her from the festival.

"I'll try to get her to make Punchestown but we’ll have to see how things go.

"It’s very disappointing for everyone as we thought she would make it to Cheltenham but unfortunately time just ran out."

But Mullins isn't without his challengers in this year's Mares Hurdle. The Closutton trainer will saddle the current ante-post favourite Concertista.

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