County Hurdle favourite Fortune De Mer ruled out for season
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 1 Jan 2026
Fortune De Mer, ante-post favourite for the County Hurdle, will miss the rest of the season due to a tendon injury.
The six-year-old was a cosy winner at Cheltenham last time out but trainer Dan Skelton reported on Thursday that the gelding is facing a likely 12-month spell off the track.
In a video posted on X, he said: “We’ve had a small injury with Fortune De Mer which means we’re unfortunately going to have to miss the rest of the year.
“He’s got a tendon strain which is a 20 per cent lesion, which is highly unfortunate. It’s just how it is sometimes with horses.
“We’ll give him the treatment he needs and he will be back next season. We’ll probably start him back in October time, which should mean he’ll be back in around next Christmas.
“It’s highly frustrating and very unfortunate for Stephen Bough (owner) and his family because he’s developed a following this horse as he’s such a cheeky character.
“Unfortunately we’re not going to see him for a little while but hopefully he can come back, history says they can recover well from these injuries, so fingers crossed he’s one of those.”
Related posts
Constitution Hill among "best ever" Irish Champions Festival entries
Watch: 21-day ban for Philip Byrnes after Limerick incident
Five horses to follow from our experts on Saturday
Dave Nevison's Saturday tips: Carlisle and Beverley bets
Friday tips from Dave Nevison: "A good run looks assured"
Featured offers
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get up to a £25 Bonus + 50 free spins with Genting
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved