Altior has been ruled out of his Queen Mother Champion Chase defence at Cheltenham on Wednesday after failing to recover from a splint problem.
The two-time champion was aiming to become the first horse since Badsworth Boy to win three Queen Mother Champion Chase titles.
“We were genuinely optimistic that, as long as that recovery rate was maintained, he’d be sound this morning,” said trainer Nicky Henderson.
“That is not the case.”
Henderson added: “It’s flattened off, he hasn’t improved at all from last night, whereas the night before he improved dramatically. Consequently I think it’s only right now that he will be taken out of the race.”
Altior has suffered with a dormant splint that had never before caused the 10-year-old problems.
“It’s brutal – it’s not an issue that has ever bothered him before, he’s never taken a lame step in his life. The timing is just ridiculous,” added Henderson.
“It’s very cruel, and cruel on everybody to be fair. He’s been in such brilliant form, but he won’t be there to show it.”
Altior suffered his first career defeat over jumps at Ascot in November, but returned to win his favoured two miles in the Game Spirit at Newbury last month.
The Cheltenham Festival begins on Tuesday, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase taking place on Wednesday.
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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