Racing:War Of Attrition is set to sign off his career at next month's Punchestown Festival after showing up well for a long way in last week's World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
The 11-year-old was making his first visit to Prestbury Park since landing the 2006 Gold Cup, but after making much of the running, he faded in the straight to finish 12th.
Trainer Mouse Morris said: "He's come out of it in great form and he seemed to enjoy himself on the day, that's the main thing. He ran well for a long way, but he just got caught out in the end on that fast ground as they were just too quick for him."
The handler added: "He still gave a good account of himself and all being well he'll now go to Punchestown as we've taken him out of the National.
"I've left him in the Guinness Gold Cup and the three-mile hurdle race and we'll just see how the ground is nearer the time before we decide where to run.
"Whatever happens it will be his last race and it would be nice for him to go out in the chase, but we'll see. The main thing is he gets through it in one piece and then it will be the end of the story for him, because we've come this far."