Thursday 26 May 2016 15:52, UK
Joe Tuite has been dealt a blow with the news that Litigant has suffered another setback and has been ruled out of his summer targets.
The talented but fragile eight-year-old landed the Ebor and November Handicap last year and was being trained for the Ascot Gold Cup.
Unfortunately, though, he has had a hiccup and will now be aimed towards an autumn campaign.
"He won't be making Ascot or his entry at the Curragh (Curragh Cup), he's had one of his little blips," said Tuite.
"We're on the back foot now so that rules the summer out.
"We only entered him for the Curragh a week ago and now we've had to rule him out, it's so frustrating. For the big yards it would be easier to take, but we are working men.
"Tony (Byrne, owner) is a great man to train for but it's hard to take.
"Litigant certainly doesn't make life easy for us, but that's what makes the good days even better.
"It's so frustrating as he had been bang on target for Ascot, but it's back to the drawing board now.
"He'll have an autumn campaign when at least he should get his (soft) ground. We've still got every faith in him."
