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Trainer David Pipe was all smiles 35 minutes after the demise of Acambo in the totesport Trophy when Well Chief made a mockery of a 22-month absence to win the totepool Game Spirit Chase.
Murphy's mount, last seen defeating Azertyuiop at Sandown in December 2005, brushed past long-time leader Ashley Brook three from home and never looked back.
The 5-2 shot extended his lead without breaking into sweat and stormed to an emphatic 11-length win from the front-running Ashley Brook.
But the Grade Two heat lost some of its lustre when last season's Arkle winner Voy Por Ustedes fell early in the race.
"It was great," said Murphy.
"The plan was just to get him back and keep things nice and simple.
"He's a very good horse and fingers crossed he stays in one piece."
Pipe said: "I thought he was fit enough to do himself justice and he's had a good blow afterwards.
"David Johnson allowed us to take our time with him and he was superb.
"I wanted to give him a race before Cheltenham because he's a buzzy horse and was keen over the first three or four fences."
Johnson, speaking from Barbados, told At The Races: "He's been off for almost two years and we were a bit apprehensive.
"He's done it well and I could not be more pleased
"I think he could improve. He wouldn't have been spot-on today, that's for sure.
"We'll see how he is but all roads lead to Cheltenham and we'll go there with a big chance."
Kevin Bishop said of the runner-up: "I think we were probably just beaten by a better horse on the day.
"He jumped and ran well but Well Chief was very impressive.
"We will keep our options open now. The Queen Mother is the race we have kept in mind but we will keep an eye on the Ryanair.
"We'll look at the ground, have a chat with Paddy (Brennan), but we are quite well in at the weights in the Ryanair."
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Source: Sporting Life |
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