Cheltenham Gold Cup hopeful Harbour Pilot has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Noel Meade-trained 10-year-old is on the easy list as a result of minor damage to a leg.
"We were a bit concerned that something wasn't right and discovered a tiny beat of heat in one of his forelegs," Meade told the Racing Post.
His regular rider Paul Carberry is now free to partner Beef Or Salmon in the blue riband if required by trainer Michael Hourigan.
Carberry made it two wins from as many starts on the country's top staying chaser when he beat Best Mate in the Lexus Chase over Christmas.