Alan King was left far from downhearted as My Way De Solzen suffered an agonising last-gasp defeat to Lough Derg in the totesport.com National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

Alan King confirmed My Way De Solzen will not go to Carlisle for the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase on Sunday.

While many of the key protagonists will only take part in Sunday’s bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree if the ground is safe, the current dry spell has probably claimed its first victim in My Way De Solzen.

Alan King has urged punters to hold their bets regarding My Way De Solzen’s Cheltenham Festival target.