Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sizing John ruled out for the season confirms trainer Jessica Harrington

SIZING JOHN has been ruled out for the season after suffering another setback.

The 2017 Gold Cup champ will miss the Festival feature for the second year in a row.

Trainer Jessica Harrington took to her Unibet blog to announce the news, but strangely did not confirm what the issue was.

A pelvic injury ruled the nine-year-old out of Cheltenham last season and a return at Gowran Park this weekend looked likely before this update.

Harrington said: "Unfortunately, Sizing John has met with a setback and he will miss the remainder of this season. After routine exercise yesterday, I wasn't happy with him and our vet came down and examined him.

"He has confirmed to me that he has met with a setback, which means that he won't run at Cheltenham or Punchestown. His owners have been informed and, naturally, they are very disappointed, as is everyone at Commonstown.

"We will do what is best for him and we'll speak to our veterinary team over the coming weeks and months and we will keep everyone posted on his progress."

Presenting Percy remains the clear antepost Gold Cup favourite at no better than 3-1, with defending champ Native River available at 11-2.