THE FAST SHOW
Superstar chaser Fastorslow ruled OUT for season as shock exit sparks Cheltenham Gold Cup shake-up
It's a cruel blow for his trainer ahead of the biggest race of the season
SUPERSTAR chaser Fastorslow has been ruled out for the season - ending hopes of yet another blockbuster showdown with Galopin Des Champs.
The Martin Brassil-trained multiple Grade 1 winner has not suffered a career-threatening injury.
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But he needs a season off to recover from his fourth-place finish in the John Durkan.
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The trainer said in a statement given to : "Following the John Durkan Chase, Fastorslow suffered a soft tissue injury.
“Before he resumed back into full work, we had him checked over by our veterinary team. They have advised us that he requires time off so he will miss the remainder of this season.
“It is not career threatening and we expect that he will be back for the resumption of the 2025/26 season."
Fastorslow had been among the favourites to challenge for this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He and two-time Gold Cup king Galopin Des Champs have enjoyed several almighty bust-ups, notably at Fastorslow's beloved Punchestown.
But he was flat there when running in last month's John Durkan, won by current Gold Cup fav Fact To File.
His price hardened into 5-2 for the big race on the back of the Fastorslow news.
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Trainer Willie Mullins has made no bones about how much he loves the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old, who won the Brown Advisory in March.
There were also nibbles for Galopin Des Champs into 3-1 to complete a hat-trick in the Friday feature.
Fastorslow was sent off 8-1 for last year's Gold Cup but unseated at the 16th fence when travelling well under regular jockey JJ Slevin.
He bounced back from that when downing Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup last May.
Fastorslow was sent off 6-4 fav for the star-studded John Durkan but failed to pick up over the final two fences.
Gold Cup odds via Betfair
5-2 Fact To File
3-1 Galopin Des Champs
10-1 Spillane's Tower
16-1 Grey Dawning, Gerri Colombe
20-1 Monty's Star
25-1 bar
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