He certainly doesn't seem to have lost any speed, says the racehorse trainer, who also gives an update on Traffic Fluide and Ar Mad...
Sire De Grugy on track for Chepstow
I can report that Sire De Grugy is on track for his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow on Sunday.
He galloped on Saturday and, after the rain we’ve had, was able to school on Monday morning.
Jamie Moore popped him over 12 fences and he did it nicely. We were both delighted with him.
This weekend’s race is over two-and-a-half miles and we will know where we stand with him afterwards.
Whether or not he still has the gears to be competitive in a Betway Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, only time will tell.
He certainly doesn’t seem to have lost any speed, though.
When I turn him and Dutch Masterpiece out in the paddock, he normally wins the sprint to the other side.
And that horse was beaten by a nostril in a competitive sprint at Ascot on the weekend.
The reason for heading to Chepstow is that he likes it there, having won at the venue twice already.
In all probability he should also get his preferred soft ground there, too.
So, we will hold off making any firm plans for him until we get Sunday out of the way.
Traffic Fluide and Ar Mad could head to Tingle Creek
As for my other two potential Betway Champion Chase contenders, Traffic Fluide and Ar Mad, they are both coming along nicely and are on the comeback trail.
Touching wood, everything seems good so far.
They are both cantering and if they remain in one piece, there is a chance they could both head to the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December.
As with Sire De Grugy, we won’t make any firm plans until we get that first run out of the way.
There is every chance that both could stay at two miles or both could step up in trip.
We’ll just have to see, though.
Unbelievable training performance
It was brilliant watching Ryan Moore win the Arc on Sunday and I thought he gave Found a fantastic ride.
However, it was an even better performance by the trainer, saddling an extraordinary 1-2-3 in the race.
That’s some achievement and he deserves all the plaudits he is getting.
Frankie Dettori somewhat caught Ryan unawares in the immediate aftermath by landing a smacker on his lips.
It certainly made me smile and it was excellent TV.
