Listener flop still a mystery

NICK Mitchell has not been able to find medical proof of anything amiss with The Listener but is certain the charismatic grey was not his usual old self at Down Royal last weekend.

On his first start of the season, and for his new trainer, The Listener made a bad mistake at the fourth-last fence of the JNwine.com Champion Chase and trailed in last of the four finishers, well adrift of the winner Kauto Star.

“He was quite distressed after the race and the vet only just let him sail home,” said Dorset-based Mitchell.