Paul Nicholls could face a Jockey Club disciplinary panel after withdrawing Rigmarole from the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

The trainer was called before the course stewards, who noted his explanation that the gelding had returned lame from his run in Tuesday's Smurfit Champion Hurdle, in which he finished a well-beaten eighth.

They referred the matter on to the Jockey Club, who will examine Rigmarole's withdrawal under Instruction H21, 'Withdrawal of Top Weights', which may result in a veterinary examination of the horse.

The outcome could be a meeting of the disciplinary panel, but if there is no case to answer the matter will be closed and Nicholls informed.