3 minute read

Fox Norton confirmed himself as an above-average novice chaser at Cheltenham's Open meeting and has his trainer Neil Mulholland dreaming of big-race success in the spring.

An admirable second when attempting to concede 4lb to Garde La Victoire in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial, that form stands up well and Mulholland has reason to believe his five-year-old is more than entitled to be campaigned like an Arkle horse for the remainder of the season.

He said: "I was delighted with Fox Norton at Cheltenham, he travelled and jumped great and wasn't beaten far trying to concede weight to a talented horse. He had to do all his own donkey work and that makes his performance all the more impressive."

The trainer added: " He was slow at the last but was entitled to be having been in front for such a long time. I really like him and we'll look at going to Doncaster for the Lightning Novices' Chase on January 30 before something like the Kingmaker at Warwick on February 13.

"My horse is 33-1 for the Arkle and that looks good each-way value to me."