Character Building was fancied to trouble the favourites at Aintree
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Character Building has been ruled out of the Grand National after a minor foot injury hampered his training.
The nine-year-old, trained by John Quinn, was a fancied contender for next month's Aintree steeplechase after winning at Cheltenham.
But a foot problem has cost the horse a week's training and the decision has been taken to focus on either the Irish or Scottish Nationals.
"It wouldn't be fair to the horse after that sort of preparation," said Quinn.
"We had a press day on Monday and he was absolutely fine, but we weren't altogether happy with him the following morning and he hasn't cantered since.
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606: DEBATE
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"He may be able to start cantering again on Monday, but by then he'd have missed a vital week's work. It's best if everyone knows now that he won't be running.
"Obviously, it is very disappointing for me and everybody in the yard, and particularly for the owners, but these things happen with horses.
"It's nothing major - it's in his foot - and if he comes right, and I'm happy with him, he'll go for the Irish National. And, if not, and we need a bit more time, then we'll look at the Scottish Grand National."
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