TOP North Yorkshire hope Aurore D’Estruval, second favourite in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, is set to miss the race.

Twice a Listed winner this season and runner-up to Irving in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, the John Quinn-trained five-year-old had been widely quoted at around 4-1 for her Grade 1 festival target behind the odds-on Anne Power.

Sean Quinn, the trainer’s son who is also his dad’s assistant said yesterday: “Unfortunately, she has had a setback, which is not serious, but it is untimely. It’s less than a fortnight until the festival and she’s not going to make it. We all feel disappointed, especially for owner Carl Hinchy.”

Whether Aurore D’Estruval will still make it to one of the big spring festivals is still in the balance. “We’ll know more in a few days,” said Quinn jnr. “It could be that Punchestown is still a possibility for her, but we’ll have to see.”