Paul Nicholls has been dealt a severe blow just as the new jumps season is getting into full swing with Caldwell Potter ruled out of the campaign.
A big-money buy out of Gordon Elliott’s yard for a group of owners that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, he really found his stride in the spring following a couple of short-priced defeats.
He won impressively in handicap company at the Cheltenham Festival before landing a Grade One success at the Grand National meeting.
Nicholls was preparing him for a possible crack at the Betfair Chase but the grey picked up a “small injury” after a racecourse gallop this week.
The Ditcheat handler posted on X, formerly Twitter: “It’s with great disappointment I am informing everyone that after Caldwell Potter’s gallop at Newbury on Monday he sustained a small injury which after consultation with vets and his owners will mean he will miss the rest of this season.
“Obviously it’s a big blow for everyone involved with him but he will be back.”