Fox Norton ruled out for the rest of the season

Colin Tizzard has been dealt a blow after Fox Norton was ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival and the rest of the season.

Agonisingly beaten in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season, he was being aimed at the Ryanair Chase over further this year.

Joe Tizzard, the Dorset trainer's son and assistant, said in a statement: " Unfortunately, Fox Norton will miss the Cheltenham Festival and the rest of the season due to a slight suspensory injury."

A close second to Politologue in the Tingle Creek, Fox Norton was upped to three miles for the King George at Christmas when he disappointed, but he was subsequently found to have been suffering with a spinal issue.

Fox Norton had been second favourite for the Ryanair behind last year's winner Un De Sceaux.