Jockey Tony McCoy has admitted that More Of That is facing an uphill battle to be ready to feature in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old, who made it five races unbeaten when defeating Annie Power at the Cheltenham Festival almost 12 months, was being lined up for a return to defend his crown next month.
However, following a disappointing return in November's Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, More Of That underwent a breathing operation and has not raced since.
A bleed after exercise last week has left Jonjo O'Neill's charge racing against time to be ready for the March 12 race and McCoy is not confident that he will feature.
In his blog for the Jockey Club website, the 19-time champion jockey said: “Sadly, More Of That bled in his work last week, which is hugely disappointing.
“Whether he gets back in the given time is very much odds against at the moment.”
