Kauto Star has missed the chance to win the Gold Cup for the third time after pulling out of the race at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 12-year-old was forced to pull up after dropping back in the early stage of the highly anticipated contest and struggled to keep up the pace.
The two-time Gold Cup winner's jockey Ruby Walsh decided to leave the course with the horse, who was a doubt for the Festival after taking a fall a few weeks ago.
Kauto Star was eventually passed fit for the competition, despite falling during schooling earlier this month.
Following the five-time King George VI Chase winner's departure, the bookies' favourite Long Run finished in third place with Giant Bolster in second and Synchronised clinching the cup.
