Struggling Master Minded ruled out of Tingle Creek

Out of sorts: owner Clive Smith and Paul Nicholls (right) in discussion with Ruby Walsh following Master Minded’s defeat at Cheltenham this month

Simon Milham

13 April 2012

Paul Nicholls has revealed that dual Champion Chaser Master Minded will undergo a bone scan and will not run in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday week.

The six-year-old suffered a defeat to Well Chief on his seasonal debut in the Connaught Chase at Cheltenham nine days ago, where he hung badly right-handed.

And the champion trainer has not been happy with him since.

Nicholls said: "Clifford Baker cantered Master Minded on Saturday morning and he reported he wasn't happy with him.

"He was changing his legs at the top of the gallop and hanging desperately right-handed, just like he did when running at Cheltenham the other day. It was a similar story when Georgie Browne cantered him yesterday.

"I discussed it with our vet, Buffy Shirley-Beavan, and we decided the best course of action is to send him to Newmarket on Thursday, where he'll have a bone scan.

"If nothing shows up, I'll just have to build him up again quietly and hope things come right for Cheltenham in March."

The defeat, when giving 10lb and upwards to his rivals, was just the third from 10 runs in Britain since the brilliant two miler arrived from France in 2007.

Though admitting he is "obviously concerned", Nicholls does not think that the horse will be unable to defend his Champion Chase title. If he regains fitness, Master Minded will not run for another three months at the earliest.

Nicholls told the Racing Post: "Whatever the outcome of the scan, I will run out of time to have him ready for the Tingle Creek and our main aim will be to get him right again for the Champion Chase.

"It may be he will end up having just the one run beforehand, in the Game Spirit at Newbury."

Meanwhile, The Listener will miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.

The 10-year-old was a 15-length winner of the Grade 1 JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his reappearance 17 days ago, his fourth success at the top level.

Trainer Nick Mitchell said: "It's a major blow. I wasn't happy with the horse last Friday and we monitored him closely over the weekend, and it quickly became apparent something was amiss.

"It was decided to have his off-fore leg scanned at the yard and unfortunately that showed there is a minor problem with his tendon. It is enough to make us stop with him this year."

Struggling Master Minded ruled out of Tingle Creek

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