CONEYGREE will remain at home at Letcombe Bassett over Christmas after being ruled out of the 32Red King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

The 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, trained by Mark Bradstock, returned from a year off the track with a hock injury last month when second to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

A rematch between the duo in the Kempton showpiece had been greatly anticipated.

But now Coneygree will stay in his box after failing to shine on the gallops.

Bradstock’s wife and assistant, Sara, who rides out the nine-year-old every day, said: “He didn’t work well on Saturday and he’s just not right.

“I just know he’s not himself. We’re not taking any risks.

“He is fragile and we want him to be completely on song when he runs.

“We’ll obviously take veterinary advice and then I’m sure the horse will tell us when he’s right again.

“I know every breath he takes, I know every step he takes, I know exactly how he is and he’s just not feeling good.

“We’re still hopefully on for the Gold Cup, and maybe something before that.”

Coneygree could now have a warm-up for the Festival in either the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on January 28 or the Denman Chase at Newbury on February 11.

Meanwhile, East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison is finishing the year with a flourish.

Aurora Gray’s success in a two-mile handicap at Lingfield under Jim Crowley was Morrison’s third winner in a week.

It came after Buzz got off the mark in a mile maiden stakes at Kempton in the hands of Liam Keniry, while Macho Mac romped home by six lengths in a seven-furlong handicap at Southwell, with Robert Havlin on board.