Captain Chris has been ruled out of the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.
Philip Hobbs' 10-year-old has been struggling with a leg injury and will play no part in the Christmas highlight, in which he has twice been placed, behind Long Run (2012) and Kauto Star (2011).
The three-time Grade One winner is instead likely to make his seasonal debut in a Listed race at Kempton a few weeks later.
Hobbs said: "He had a minor lameness this week on a hind leg, it might have been a hamstring injury
"He was sound this morning and will go for the same race he won at Kempton last season on 10 January."
