Racing: The racing public has seen the last of War Of Attrition before he defends his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown in March.
Mouse Morris' charge will head straight to Prestbury Park after finishing third behind The Listener in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
It was a third successive defeat for the eight-year-old but his trainer is quick to point to the one common factor in that trio of races.
"The only problem we have had is the ground being so soft," he said. "Everything else has gone well and we haven't had a hiccup so far so from that point of view I have to be pleased.
"His run in the Lexus wasn't bad, he jumped and travelled well, but that ground just finds him out. He can't quicken or do a whole lot in it.
"We have no plans to run before the Gold Cup. We will just train him here as we did last year."
So what are the chances that the same War Of Attrition who routed Hedgehunter and co in such comprehensive style 12 months previously will turn up in March?
"That's the $64,000 question," Morris laughed.
"Providing we don't have any hiccups along the way there is no reason why he shouldn't be the same horse."
"It's only downhill from winning a Gold Cup," added Morris. "It is the pinnacle and was terrific for the yard and the town itself."
If he is to retain the crown he is going to have to repel the challenge of the horse of the season so far.
"You have to say Kauto Star is the obvious danger," Morris admitted.
"But there are 20 or 30 others who would have to have a chance. We all have to get there first though - that's the problem."