Noland, winner of last season’s Supreme Novice’s Hurdle, was expected to run at the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle on Sunday but he was retired of the contest due to a slight injury, as informed by his trainer.

“My head groom Clifford Baker said that he wasn't happy with Noland's off-fore leg after finding heat in it, so we had it scanned this morning and the scan confirmed there was a problem,” Paul Nichols explained.

Nichols also explained that he discussed the state of things with John Hales and vet Brian Eagles and they decided not to risk Noland this season. “He's such a good horse and the sensible thing now is to draw stumps and then get him right for the start of next season to go novice chasing,” he said.