Rule The World has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival by trainer Mouse Morris.

The eight-year-old looked a top-class prospect when runner-up behind The New One at Prestbury Park a couple of years ago, but suffered a fractured pelvis the following month and has not quite managed to reach the same levels since.

He is yet to score in three outings over fences this season and finished down the field in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Morris said: "He ran a reasonable race up to the last fence the other day, but a lot of mine haven't been getting home of late and he was the same.

"You have to remember he's fractured his pelvis twice now and it takes time for them to get over things like that.

"He won't be going to Cheltenham, but he might go to the Festivals at Fairyhouse and Punchestown in the spring."