Carlingford Lough will not run in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree next Saturday.
The four-times Grade One winner had been quietly fancied for the great race, but he is instead likely to be preserved for the Punchestown Festival.
Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, told the Daily Mail: "Carlingford Lough will not run.
"He needs a bit more time and will probably go to Punchestown."
Carlingford Lough, trained by John Kiely, was last seen finishing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was available at around 22-1 about winning the National.
Berry confirmed that McManus would still have five contenders after Monday's five-day declaration stage but that retained rider Barry Geraghty would not be rushing into a decision over his mount.
Gilgamboa, Gallant Oscar, Pendra, Shutthefrontdoor and Cause Of Causes are all still in the mix for the powerful owner.
Berry said: "We'll confirm five, but I've had no indication yet from Barry as to which way he's leaning.
"We'll see how they are all nearer the time as a lot can happen with horses in a week.
"At this stage, though, they are all in good form. He might be waiting to see if Cause Of Causes gets in but I wouldn't be very hopeful of that."
