A Plus Tard misses Savills Chase on veterinary advice

A Plus Tard will miss the Savills Chase at Leopardstown after being withdrawn on veterinary advice.

Last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was a last-gasp winner of the Grade One contest in 2020 and was caught close home by Galvin in last year’s renewal.

Despite a disappointing seasonal reappearance when pulling up in last month’s Betfair Chase at Haydock, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned eight-year-old was a hot favourite to get back on the winning trail.

However, A Plus Tard will not line up in the feature event on day three of Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "It’s frustrating, but he’s banged his joint and we just don’t want to risk him.

"The vets are going to dig deeper. He’s moving perfect, but he just banged his joint and there’s a bit of heat there, so we’ll see."

Watch the Leopardstown Christmas Festival live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 1pm