Courage Mon Ami will miss the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot next month due to a minor injury.
The Wathan Racing-owned bay took the Group One contest in 2023 for trainers John and Thady Gosden, but was prevented from retaining the title last year by a setback in late May that would see him miss all of 2024.
Another physical issue will cause a second Gold Cup to pass him by, but the slight nature of the setback means he is due to return to action later in the season.
“It’s a minor setback, but unfortunately it is enough to mean that he will miss Ascot,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan.
“We will regroup and aim at a campaign running later into the season instead.
“It’s not a major issue and he’ll certainly be back later in the year, but with the timing it is enough to mean he will miss Ascot.”