Tiutchev set for Christmas break

Tiutchev misses Wetherby's Castleford Chase on Boxing Day, trainer Nicky Henderson announced today, despite sparkling in a crucial workout.

The seven-year-old gelding was unbeaten over fences as a novice, including his eight-length triumph in the Arkle Chase at the 2000 Cheltenham Festival. But he blotted his copybook when a distant last of seven behind Flagship Uberalles in the rescheduled Tingle Creek Trophy at Cheltenham 11 days ago.

Until today, Henderson had not worked Tiutchev at his Lambourn yard since that defeat, but had warned punters to discount him at their peril for the Festival's two-mile championship, the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March. The horse had suffered a setback prior to the Tingle Creek, but is now clearly impressing his trainer.

"He went very, very well indeed," said Henderson. "I half wish the Champion Chase was in three weeks' time because that run he had earlier this month has brought him on no end. Seriously, you should have seen him go this morning."

But that effort didn't persuade connections to give Tiutchev a Christmas outing, with Henderson favouring Ascot's Victor Chandler Chase on 13 January as the next target.

"He's highly doubtful to run in the Castleford," he said. "For a start, I don't think his owners want to trek up to Wetherby on Boxing Day. But more importantly, one of the reasons the horse is with me is so that Mick Fitzgerald can partner him. He'll be riding all day at Kempton for me that day, so that rules him out for Wetherby.