Connections of Kauto Star have yet to decide whether the National Hunt legend has raced for the final time.
The 12-year-old was pulled up with more than a circuit to go in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but connections insisted they would let the dust settle before a decision on his future would be made.
Although many National Hunt horses have now returned to training in readiness for the new campaign, Kauto Star is still in the paddock, accompanied by now-retired stablemate Denman.
“We haven’t made a decision yet and basically we’re in the same position as we were this time last year,” trainer Paul Nicholls said.
“He’ll probably come into the yard in the next week to ten days and he’ll be paraded at the owners’ open day early next month.
“We’ll get that out of the way and then me and Clive (Smith, owner) will discuss what we’re going to do.
“We haven’t made a decision yet and once we have we’ll let everyone know.”
Smith’s other star horse, dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, has already been retired after suffering a career-ending tendon injury in last season’s King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
