Sire De Grugy delighted trainer Gary Moore as he cantered for the first time since injnury

Sire De Grugy delighted trainer Gary Moore as he cantered for the first time since suffering a hip injury that has so far this season kept him off the track.

The eight-year-old was put through his paces by the trainer's son, Jamie, raising hopes he will be able to defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham in March.

The trainer is now hoping he will be able to get a prep run into Sire De Grugy, who has been absent since winning the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April.

"He cantered very good and showed me all the signs I wanted to see. I couldn't be more pleased with him," said the West Sussex handler.

"It's steady away for a few weeks now and then take it from there. We're back on course, all being well.

"I'd love to get a run into him before the Champion Chase, as long as we can get that far. I don't see any reason why not, but where we do it, I don't know.

"At the moment I couldn't be more pleased with him."