Trainer Ben Pauling believes Global Citizen may have pulled some muscles during his defeat at Aintree last week.
Global Citizen made the headlines in February when he won the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.
Pauling skipped the Cheltenham Festival in order to keep his charge fresh but he finished sixth in the Top Novices' Hurdle behind Lalor.
After getting Global Citizen back to his stable, Pauling now believes pulled muscles were the reason for his absence.
He told reporters: “He has returned home quite sore and we are hoping he has just pulled some muscles which would give a reason why he didn't perform.
“That was nothing like we know he can do. He will have a nice long summer break and we will be back ready to rock and roll next season. We will stick to the plan next season and keep him over hurdles.”
