Dan Skelton confirms that Roksana will head for the Mares’ Hurdle

Dan Skelton has announced Roksana will try to regain her title in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle next week at Cheltenham.

The nine-year-old also had the option of running in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and when Philip Hobbs revealed on Friday that Thyme Hill had met with a setback and would miss the race, her price began to contract for the longer contest.

However, the in-form Skelton took to Twitter to let punters know Roksana would instead take on her own sex, including the impressive Concertista, on Tuesday.

The trainer tweeted: “CONFIRMED – Roksana will run in the Mares’ Hurdle on Tuesday @CheltenhamRaces.”

Roksana won the race two years ago when taking advantage of a fall at the last by Benie Des Dieux.

Meanwhile, Trainer Nick Mitchell has been dealt a blow having confirmed that his leading Ultima Handicap Chase hope Lieutenant Rocco will miss the race.

Since joining Mitchell from Colin Tizzard, Lieutenant Rocco had run well over inadequate trips before opening his account over fences at Ffos Las in some style over three miles.

He was a general second favourite for the Ultima behind Kim Bailey’s Happygolucky but will unfortunately not be lining up.

Mitchell, who has only recently returned to the training ranks, tweeted:

“Lieutenant Rocco is to miss Cheltenham this year as he is lame this morning. The extent of the injury is not known yet but he will not be ready in time.

“Such a blow for the owner and the yard but also for the support he has received from the jump racing fans.

“Great boxers hit the canvas and get back up. He’s young and will be back better than ever.”