Gary Moore has been dealt a blow with the news that his smart chaser Traffic Fluide will miss the rest of the season.
The six-year-old made huge strides as a novice last season, culminating with a fine third-place finish in Grade One company at Aintree.
On his belated first run of the season in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, he ran a blinder to be beaten only five lengths by Un De Sceaux and crossing the line virtually in unison with his illustrious stable companion Sire De Grugy.
"I'm really sick as he ran so well at Ascot," said Moore.
"He had a hold up at the start of the season and it's a similar problem. He recovered so well it's hard to take, we just won't have enough time to get him ready for anything.
"The plan was for him to run this weekend in the Game Spirit.
"He's got age on his side at least, he's only six, but it's very annoying."
He added: "Hopefully he'll be back before Christmas, we'll maybe aim for Exeter (Haldon Gold Cup)."