The Grand National will not have a field of 40 for the first time since 2004 after Carlito Brigante was withdrawn from the famous race.
Trainer Karen McLintock confirmed on Friday that the horse had been declared a non-runner after being deemed slightly lame following a veterinary check.
Carlito Brigante cannot be replaced by first reserve Baileys Concerto as the deadline for introducing reserves for Saturday's race at Aintree has passed.
"Sadly Carlito Brigante won't be running in the Grand National," McLintock said.
"He's slightly lame this morning. I think it might be his fetlock joint but I'm not sure. I'm on my way down to Leicester racecourse at the moment but my vet has checked him out.
"I'm absolutely floored to be honest. To get this close and then just miss out is heartbreaking."