The grey, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, has been sidelined by a tendon injury just before he was about to make his seasonal return to action.

Skelton had been aiming him at the Shloer Chase next weekend, in which he beat Jonbon 12 months ago, but the eight-year-old – who was third in the Champion Chase earlier this year – will have to wait for next season until he is next seen..

The champion trainer said: “Unfortunately, L’Eau Du Sud has an injury and is going to be out for the year. He has a tendon strain and is going to need a season out. It’s a kick in the cobblers but there we go.

“He is a really good horse. He will get the year off and we will bring him back. Hopefully, there are still a few more dances to be had with him. He is OK, healthy and fine but just needs time off.”