Ladbrokes Trophy favourite Topofthegame ruled out for another season

Topofthegame, the 2019 RSA Chase winner who was at the head of the betting for the Ladbrokes Trophy, has been ruled out for the season after the recurrence of an old injury.

The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old was sidelined for the whole of last season with a tendon injury, but was back in training with the Newbury showpiece at the end of the month and the Cheltenham Gold Cup among his big-race targets.

Ladbrokes Trophy card and betting

Nicholls said: "I'm very sorry to report that Topofthegame is out for the season. I was hopeful of a big show from him in the Ladbrokes Trophy. All plans are on hold because the tendon injury he suffered last winter is again giving me cause for concern.

"The warning signs have been flashing over the past few days and the decision to draw stumps was taken this morning after discussions with his owners Paul Barber and Chris Giles.

"Scans taken by our vet showed that the original tendon damage is still a little weak. It is the right thing to stop now."

Always viewed as a horse who would excel over fences, Topofthegame's finest hour came in last year's RSA under Harry Cobden, narrowly denying this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup second Santini and multiple Grade 1 scorer Delta Work.

Topofthegame and Harry Cobden came out on top in a classic RSA Chase ahead of Santini (grey cap) and Delta Work (maroon cap)Credit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Following his festival success, he was a well-beaten third behind Lostintranslation in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at the Grand National meeting, which was his last start.

Despite his lengthy absence, he was the 5-1 favourite to give Nicholls a fourth victory in the Ladbrokes Trophy and a general 14-1 chance for the Gold Cup.

As a result of his defection, the Colin Tizzard-trained Copperhead and Cheltenham Festival winner The Conditional, who was second in the race last year, have been installed as the 8-1 joint-favourites by the sponsors for the £200,000 Ladbrokes Trophy, with Aye Right the 10-1 second favourite.

Relive De Rasher Counter's victory in the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy

Ladbrokes spokesman Jon Lees said: "Topofthegame’s challenge for the Ladbrokes Trophy under top weight was already drawing comparisons with race legend Denman, so his absence from the race is a real disappointment."

While Topofthegame is set for a considerable spell on the sidelines, Nicholls hopes he will be able to return next season.

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