COLIN Tizzard’s stable star Cue Card has been ruled out of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next Thursday, the Sherborne handler revealed.

The nine-year-old won the race in 2013 but has suffered a late setback that will keep him out of the Festival for a second consecutive season.

Tizzard said: “He was making a noise and we had him looked at.

“He’ll miss Cheltenham but he should be okay for Aintree (in April).”

Cue Card was in line to contest the Gold Cup last season but he suffered muscle injury which left him sidelined.

The four-times Grade One winner has not been at his best since his return, having been well beaten at Exeter, at Haydock and in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Last year’s winner Dynaste is also ruled out, but Irish hope Don Cossack adds a dash of star quality.

Currently listed as the 3-1 market leader, Don Cossack is four from four so far this season and carries the colours of Ryanair supremo Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud. Ma Filleule is next best in the betting at 5-1.

Elsewhere, Rock On Ruby, a former winner of the Champion Hurdle for Paul Nicholls and now with Seaborough handler Harry Fry, is set for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle next Thursday.