Willie Mullins has been forced to rule his exciting prospect Anzadam out for the rest of the season.

The five-year-old burst on to the scene earlier this season in November when winning a Grade 3 event at Fairyhouse.

He followed that up with a stroll at Naas, beating Beacon Edge by 11 lengths as a long odds-on favourite.

Nevertheless, he was thought by some to be a genuine Champion Hurdle contender. However, it has transpired that he suffered an injury in his latest outing.

Speaking to Sporting Life Mullins said: “Unfortunately Anzadam picked up a little injury at Naas and won’t be ready for Aintree. I don’t feel it’s prudent to try and rush him back for Punchestown so he’ll miss the remainder of the season.”