Defending champion Magician has been ruled out of a repeat bid for glory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Saturday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt beat The Fugue by a half a length last year in a pulsating renewal, cutting down John Gosden's filly in the shadow of the post under an inspired Ryan Moore after sitting off a strong early pace.
Magician has not run since finishing second in the Arlington Million in August, but hopes were high for another big effort on his favoured fast turf before he retires to Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
However, he was reported to be lame on Wednesday morning.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry said: "He is lame, he was examined by Dr Vince Baker and John Halley and won't run."
