Shutthefrontdoor, Tony McCoy's 20th and final ride in the Crabbie's Grand National, could go back for more next year with a different jockey aboard.
The fairytale did not come to fruition at Aintree on Saturday, despite a typically brilliant ride by the everlasting champion.
Sent off the 6-1 favourite in the hope of making racing's dream come true, Shutthefrontdoor had every chance but his bid for glory flattened out in the closing stages and he faded into fifth place behind Many Clouds.
Shutthefrontdoor, trained by Jonjo O'Neill and owned by McCoy's boss, JP McManus, who gave him his one National triumph with Don't Push It in 2010, will now go on his summer break before starting afresh next term.
"Shutthefrontdoor has come out of the race very well, said McManus's racing manager, Frank Berry.
"He's run a blinder, jumped great. He got a great ride and everything went well, but he just didn't get home. He had every chance, but just wasn't good enough on the day, I'd say.
"That's it for the season for him now. We will try again next year, but I wouldn't make any excuse for him on Saturday."
Though McCoy has failed to add an Irish or an Aintree National to his tally this season, he might get the chance to give racing fans north of the border something to cherish with victory in the Coral Scottish Grand National at the weekend.
His sole triumph in the Ayr feature came on Belmont King in 1997.
McManus currently has three entries - Cantlow, Cause Of Causes and If In Doubt. However, all three have been in action in the past week.
Cantlow was sixth in the Irish National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, when If In Doubt was pulled up, while Cause Of Causes was eighth in the Grand National.
"Everything is up in the air in that department at the minute. We'll see tomorrow what's happening," said Berry.
Already assured of a 20th successive title, McCoy has taken a short break from the saddle.
He could return to action on Tuesday at either Exeter and Carlisle ahead of the two-day midweek meeting at Cheltenham, as the countdown continues to his final farewell on the last day of the season at Sandown on April 25.
