Lexus Chase runner-up Money Trix has joined the Charlie Mann trained Air Force One in pulling out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
The Nicky Richards trained eleven-year-old was last seen when a disappointing sixth in the Irish Hennessy behind Joncol and will now be aimed at targets later in the season.
"Everything is OK with him but we just decided we're not going to bother with the Gold Cup. He came back from Leopardstown with a bit of a bruised foot but he'll be fine and I suppose the options for him now would be Aintree and Punchestown” said Richards.
Air Force One who finished a distance behind current Gold Cup favourite Kauto Star in last season’s showpiece event has also been pulled out and will now go to Aintree for a crack at the John Smith’s Grand National.
After finishing third in a dramatic Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday, the eight-year-old has been given a weight of 10st 12lbs for the Grand National but the former Grade 1 winner has never won a race beyond 3m1f.
Another horse that has decided to avoid Cheltenham is Luska Lad who won the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at the weekend. Trainer John Hanlon confirmed that he will stay in Ireland for targets at Fairyhouse and Punchestown before going chasing next season.
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