Trainer Jefferson will have to be patient with star

Waiting Patiently and jockey Brian Hughes, right, clear the last and get the better of the legendary Cue Card in the Ascot Chase.

The unbeaten chaser, who beat Cue Card in a thrilling renewal of the Ascot Chase last month, will not line up at next week’s Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Malton-based Jefferson, who took over the training of the horse after the death of her father Malcolm, decided to skip the Cheltenham Festival last month as she felt her stable star had not quite recovered from his Ascot exertions.

“Unfortunately we’ve had a setback and it’s come at the wrong time, with Aintree around the corner,” said Jefferson who has not specified the injury.

“He definitely won’t run again this season and we’re just waiting back for more detail from the vet to see exactly what it is.”

Jefferson could still be represented at Aintree by Cloudy Dream, who finished second in the Arkle and third in the Ryanair at the last two Cheltenham Festivals.