Pipe Sights Set On Gold

Celestial Gold is set to reappear in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The eight-year-old was limited to just two starts last term, unseating his rider on his seasonal bow in the Cheltenham Gold Cup before going on to win the Betfair Bowl Chase at Aintree.

Celestial Gold has been off the track since that race in April, but trainer David Pipe has confirmed the Christmas feature will be his initial target.

He said: 'Celestial Gold has been entered for the King George and he's in good form.

'The plan is to go there for his first run.'

But Pipe has all but ruled out a King George bid for Charlie Hall Chase winner Our Vic, adding: 'I don't think we'll enter Our Vic.

'He'll probably be entered for the Pillar Chase in January.'

Well Chief is another Pipe star currently working towards a comeback but the Pond House handler does not expect to run him before the turn of the year.

'He's fine. We're taking our time with him and he won't be seen out until next year ? so far so good though,' he told At The Races.

'Obviously everything is planned for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.'

? PA Sport