Racing: Stand may miss Champion

Odds compilers were forced into a rethink of quotes for the Champion Hurdle yesterday after it was revealed that last year's winner, Make A Stand, is a doubtful starter. The bookmakers were required to make changes after it emerged that Make A Stand has heat in his near-fore leg. His trainer, Martin Pipe, has abandoned plans to run the horse in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Pipe was unavailable for comment but his assistant, Chester Barnes, said: "Things are not looking too good so I think the guv'nor has decided to give him a season off."

Horse C H L

Istabraq 5-1 9-2 5-1

Shadow Leader 5-1 6-1 5-1

Collier Bay 10-1 10-1 10-1

Sanmartino 8-1 10-1 8-1

Relkeel 10-1 14-1 10-1

Grey Shot 16-1 16-1 16-1

C - Coral, H - William Hill, L - Ladbrokes