Azertyuiop has won twice at the Cheltenham Festival

The eight-year-old has been off the track since suffering an injury when runner-up to Well Chief in the Betfred Celebration Chase at Sandown in April.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "There was a chance we could have raced him again in the spring.

"But it was felt the right thing was to leave him and then come in next July with a full campaign next year."

Azertyuiop has won 11 of his 22 starts over obstacles, including the 2004 Queen Mother Champion and the Arkle Challenge Trophy the previous year.