Lame Pady to miss Cheltenham

Forpadydeplasterer has been ruled out of next month's Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

The Tom Cooper-trained eight-year-old is reportedly lame, and would therefore miss crucial work in the build-up to the Festival.

He is now instead likely to be aimed at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Charlie Chawke, head of the Goat Syndicate responsible for Forpadydeplasterer, told www.puntinplay.com: "I am sorry to inform everyone that Pady is lame and will be boxed for at least three weeks.

"Tom Cooper says that this rules him out of Cheltenham and we are now more than likely looking at Punchestown.

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but hopefully there will be good times ahead again."

Forpadydeplasterer, a gutsy winner of last season's Arkle, was as low as 8-1 to lower the colours of Master Minded in the Seasons Holidays-sponsored Champion Chase.

The dual Grade One scorer was last seen finishing second to Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December.