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Leading Arkle Trophy contender Cloone River has been ruled out of the Irish Independent-sponsored showpiece after the recurrence of a minor injury.

The exciting nine-year-old landed a huge punt in the Galway Hurdle last July and was unbeaten in two starts since switching to fences.

"The horse is out for Cheltenham. It was a slight recurrence of the muscle injury he had, but nothing major," trainer Paul Nolan told the Racing Post.

"Plans are on hold for the rest of the season."

Cloone River had been a best-priced 8-1 for the Cheltenham contest.