"All plans on hold" for Grands Crus
David Pipe has no answers or excuses for the poor showing of Grands Crus in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Last Updated: 28/01/13 6:23pm
The grey looked set for a big season this term and was a short-priced favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, but was pulled up and subsequently had a breathing operation.
He performed with credit in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, finishing third, and Pipe said beforehand he believed the horse would strip fitter in the Argento Chase last weekend.
However, he was never really travelling and was pulled up some way out by Tom Scudamore.
Pipe wrote on www.davidpipe.com: "I was hoping for a really big run from him - the very testing ground would have been softer than ideal but I would not dream of offering that up as an excuse for this lacklustre effort.
"He returned feeling sorry for himself and was quiet on Sunday. He will be freshened up now and all plans are on hold."