JAGWAR HAS THE BRAKES APPLIED

ANTE-post Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase favourite Jagwar has been ruled out of Saturday's Cheltenham showpiece, being declared a non-runner due to ground conditions.

- RUAIRI MURPHY

The prestigious early-season contest had been a long-held plan for the training team Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero since landing the Plate with ease at the Cheltenham Festival, and although confident ahead of the race the team will have to hold off running their JP McManus-owned gelding.

He was due to carry top-weight around Cheltenham and with the ground rapidly deteriorating on Friday due to unrelenting rain, connections have decided to keep their powder dry with the six-year-old.