Champion priority for Master

CLIVE Smith already has one eye on next year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase for Master Minded after he produced another stunning performance in the Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old became the highest rated National Hunt horse in training following a 19-length demolition of Voy Por Ustedes in last season’s Champion Chase, but suffered defeat to the same rival over two and a half miles at Aintree next time.

However, he was back to his brilliant best under Tony McCoy in Saturday’s feature event and although he may be seen twice again before he bids to retain his crown, Smith admits the Festival is the priority.