Ben Pauling has conceded Aintree will come too soon for Willoughby Court after his star novice chaser missed the Cheltenham Festival due to a setback.
The seven-year-old was successful at the Festival last year and had been one of the leading hopes for the JLT Novices' Chase after winning two of three outings over fences this term.
However, a foot problem saw him ruled out of the showpiece fixture at the end of February, and Pauling said: "He won't go to Aintree, as he has missed too much work.
"He is back in the yard and is absolutely A1, but he has missed too much work and we would be chasing our tails to get him ready. He will be having an early enough summer and we will just concentrate on getting him ready for next season. Thanks have got to go to Paul and Clare Rooney (owners), who have been really patient with the horse."
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