Defending champion Magician has been ruled out of a repeat bid for glory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Saturday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt beat The Fugue by a half a length last year in a pulsating renewal, cutting down John Gosden's filly in the shadow of the post under an inspired Ryan Moore.
Magician has not run since finishing second in the Arlington Million in August, but hopes were high for another big effort before he retires to Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky. However, he was found to be lame on Wednesday morning.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry said: "He is lame, he was examined by Dr Vince Baker and John Halley and won't run."
