GLOUCESTERSHIRE chaser Bristol De Mai is the new ante-post favourite to win the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival following the news that his principal rival Killultagh Vic will miss the rest of the season due to injury.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Bristol De Mai was foot perfect when landing the Grade One Scilly Isles Novice’s Chase at Sandown last weekend and is the now the 7-2 favourite to win the JLT.

Killultagh Vic is trained by all-conquering Irish champion Willie Mullins and it is the same stable's Outlander, a recent winner at Leopardstown, who is now the 5-1 second favourite in the JLT betting.

Liam Glynn, a spokesman for bookmakers BoyleSports, said: “Bristol De Mai was very impressive at Sandown last time out and following the withdrawal of Killultagh Vic he is already starting to prove popular with punters."