Well Chief 'stiff' after Wetherby fall

Martin Pipe’s Well Chief was today reported to be “a bit stiff” following his fall at Wetherby on Monday.

The six-year-old had finished a highly creditable third to Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop in the William Hill Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown Park last month.

As a result of that effort he was sent off the 8-13 favourite for the skybet.com Castleford Chase, but having just moved into contention he came to grief four fences from home.

“He’s a bit stiff but he seems okay,” a spokeswoman for the champion trainer said this morning.

After the spill bookmakers eased Well Chief in the betting for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Coral, Ladbrokes and totesport all now quote him at 9-2 while William Hill go 7-2.

Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop remain at the head of the market for the Cheltenham feature and are top-priced at 7-4 and 15-8 respectively.