Harry Fry has ruled Vukovar out for the season

Harry Fry has been forced to rule second-season chaser Vukovar out for the rest of the season through injury.

The six-year-old made a big impression in his debut season in Britain, winning at Newbury and finishing seventh to Taquin Du Seuil at the Cheltenham Festival, but only made one appearance this term and won't be seen again until the autumn.

Fry also ruled out Zulu Oscar, who looked an exciting prospect when landing a novice hurdle at Taunton in November.

The trainer told his Stan James blog: "There will be a couple of horses who we won’t be seeing again this year.

"Vukovar has unfortunately had a setback so he won’t be seen for the remainder of the season. Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery and be back on the track next year. 

"Zulu Oscar won a novice hurdle nicely at Taunton but is another who’s out for the season.

"That’s the way it goes unfortunately. We had such a high last week with big winners and the next, straight back down to earth."

Fry had a more upbeat bulletin regarding Rock On Ruby, who is being prepared for the a tilt at the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

He said: "The entries closed for the World Hurdle this week. That’s the plan for Rock On Ruby and we’ll aim for that in the hope that the ground won’t be too testing.

"He’ll be lining up on the Thursday in the World Hurdle which will obviously be a big challenge, but one we’re relishing.

"Rock On Ruby is in great order and with such a good record at Cheltenham we’re looking forward to getting him there in one piece and seeing what happens.

"Whether he does stay the three miles or not, we’ll have to see."