The Cheltenham hope Glencove Marina - described by Willie Mullins as the horse with the most potential in his powerful yard - could face up to a year-and-a-half on the sidelines due to a leg problem.

Unbeaten in two starts over fences, Glencove Marina shot to the top of betting for both the Arkle and the SunAlliance Chase after his Grade Two triumph at Leopardstown earlier this month.

However, Mullins has had to call time on this term due to a tendon injury that has showed up this week, and he isn't hopeful of a quick return to action for the Grade One-winning hurdler.

"He looked to be fine for the week after his last race, but then we discovered a little heat in a tendon. A little is enough," a disappointed trainer said yesterday.

"He is out for this season and he could be out for the following season too. If we're looking at having him back in January of next year, then that might be too late, so it could be an 18-month job. That's the way I'm looking at it," he added.

Mullins's brother, Tony, also had to call time on this campaign for his Cheltenham winner Pedrobob on Wednesday, and that horse was also a possible starter in the Arkle at Cheltenham.