Attrition out of Gold Cup

War Of Attrition will miss the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after suffering a setback.

Last year´s winner was found to have heat in his leg following exercise today and is out for the season.

'Unfortunately after exercise this morning he was found to have heat in his leg and will be out for the season,' said trainer Mouse Morris.

'Everything has hit me, as I lost my mother last night as well.'

Morris went on: 'I´ve got to get my head around it all myself. I´m devastated.'

'The horse has heat in his leg, but was sound. He is not lame or anything. We had it scanned and he needs to rest. Hopefully, he´ll be back next season.'

War Of Attrition, who had been second-favourite at around 5-1 to repeat his 2006 triumph, was third to The Listener in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December on his latest outing.

Market leader Kauto Star has been cut to 5-4 from 6-4 with the sponsors, who go 4-1 from 5-1 Exotic Dancer and 7-1 from 8s The Listener.

Ladbrokes make Kauto Star an 11-8 chance, with Exotic Dancer 4-1 and The Listener 7-1.