David Pipe reports the popular Well Chief to have come out of the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase in good condition.

The fragile 10-year-old was having his first run for nearly two years on Wednesday due to injury but defied expectations with a fine run to finish second behind Master Minded.

That came four years after he filled the same position behind the brilliant Moscow Flyer in 2005, and many see him as one of the finest two-milers never to have won the Champion Chase.

"Touch wood he seems well," said Pipe.

"His legs feel good and he trotted out sound this morning and early signs are good.

"It was a fantastic performance and he galloped all the way to the line and we couldn't have asked for more.

"What was also great was that he was so well appreciated by the crowd, even before the race.

"We'll get the next two days out of the way and then decide on the rest of the season."

Owner David Johnson suggested the options were that he could be put away for the season or he could go to the Grand National meeting.

"The good news is that touch wood his legs seem fine," said Johnson.

"The crucial point will be over the next three or four days but I suppose there are only a few options left.

"Either we put him away or go to Aintree over two and a half, as the ground is not going to be right for him at Sandown or Punchestown.

"He might have a chance of getting his ground, good to soft-ish, at Aintree."