Racing:In Compliance has been ruled out of Saturday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Trainer Michael O'Brien was unhappy with his charge following today's workout with stable companion Forget The Past and believes he is not quite fit enough for the Grade One contest at the weekend.
As the seven-year-old - former market leader for the Hennessy and a strong candidate for the Cheltenham Gold Cup - has not run since December 10th, O'Brien hoped to school him over fences this week.
But due to the freezing conditions, plans have had to be put on hold.
"In Compliance is not running, Forget The Past is going to run instead," confirmed O'Brien. "We just weren't happy with his fitness - we just think that he hasn't run for two-and-a-half weeks before Christmas and he hasn't jumped any fences.
"We were going to school him this week but we can't now because of the frost. Basically, we weren't happy with his fitness and he just isn't fit enough to run.
"Hopefully, he will go to the Bobbyjo Chase At Fairyhouse on February 24th next."