Paul Nicholls has been forced to cancel his traditional pre-Cheltenham media day due to a bout of coughing sweeping through his Ditcheat yard.
Nicholls had invited the media to attend an open day on Wednesday to discuss his plans for Cheltenham but the wellbeing of his horses has resulted in the champion trainer cancelling the event.
It has been a quiet month for Nicholls with the Ditcheat handler saddling just one winner - Zarkandar at Newbury on Friday - and with the Cheltenham Festival just three weeks away he has decided not to risk exposing his string to any potential infections.
"It is fairly obvious that we had a moderate weekend. We have several horses coughing and my first priority is to the owners in my yard," said Nicholls.
"It is my duty to leave no stone unturned now as we prepare for the last three weeks before the festival and, in these circumstances, we do not feel it is appropriate to invite the media on Wednesday.
"I am very sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but I hope that all concerned will understand that my horses and owners must come first."
Kauto Star, Big Buck’s, Zarkandar and Al Ferof are among Nicholls’ Cheltenham possible.