Annie Power, the antepost favourite for next years Mares’ Hurdle and World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, is likely to head straight to the March showpiece following a ‘minor’ setback in training, according to owner Rich Ricci.

The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year old has enjoyed an exceptional career to date with 12 victories from her 14 outings. She looked set to secure a memorable victory at Prestbury Park earlier this year in the Mares’ Hurdle but suffered a crashing fall at the final flight. It reportedly saved bookmakers millions in pounds after punters pilled in to the Mullins four-fold on day one of the Cheltenham meeting.

Clearly disappointed with the news at Ascot yesterday, Rich Ricci said:

She is fine. She has just had a niggling setback and she will probably not run until Cheltenham. We won’t take any chances with her as she is too valuable and is my pet. We will do the right thing by her.

The renowned owner added:

She will be back in work at the end of December then we will step her back up and get her ready for Cheltenham.

The World Hurdle next March looked to be the ultimate aim for the retired banker, who is keen on targeting success in all four championship races at Cheltenham. Her agonisingly close second in 2014 to More Of That proved that the classy mare is capable of seeing out the three-mile trip amongst the best company.

However, the Mares’ Hurdle now seems the most logical target and should she arrive in full health will take the world of beating in attempting to put right her 2015 heartache.