Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Celestial Gold has been ruled out for the season with a leg problem.
The eight-year-old has not been seen since winning the Betfair Bowl at Aintree last April, but was as low as 16-1 with Ladbrokes for the Festival blue riband.
But Chester Barnes, assistant to trainer David Pipe, has confirmed Celestial Gold will not run this term.
He said: "Some heat was discovered in his leg and the veterinary advice is to stop with him.
"He is still sound and being ridden out, but he is too good a horse to risk and will not race again until next season.
"Although very disappointing, the good news is that it is very minor and we still have a very good horse to look forward to next year's big races."
Celestial Gold was limited to just two starts last season, winning at Aintree and unseating Timmy Murphy in the Gold Cup. PA
