Tiutchev heading for Ireland

Tiutchev, whose comeback behind Hasty Prince in the Tote Silver Trophy at Chepstow on Saturday satisfied Martin Pipe, is set for a return to fences in Ireland next month.

Connections are keen to run the 10-year-old in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 7 following his fourth-placed run over hurdles.

Jerry Wright, spokesman for Tiutchev’s owners, said: “They were always going a little bit quick for him on the fast ground at Chepstow and as long as he comes out of it all right he’ll go for the conditions chase in Ireland over two and a half miles.”

Tiutchev has been quoted in ante-post lists for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but Wright added: “We could experiment with him and let him attempt three miles in the King George. It would not be wise to back him for the Queen Mother at this stage.”