Listener flop still a mystery
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.
“He has had tests carried out and they have all come back clear although there is one more to come.
“He was very quiet when he came back, but has perked up a bit over the last couple of days.
“We had hoped something would be detected but we’ll just have to kick on and try and get him ready for something like the John Durkan again.
“He has been so consistent over his career and he seems to have finally had an off-day. I was not happy with him with a circuit to go last week. Usually he is a joy to watch but I found it quite difficult to watch this time.”
