3 minute read

Alan King has enjoyed many memorable moments at Cheltenham and Yanworth provided him with another landmark achievement at the track after he became the trainer's 1,500th winner of his career.

Despite having failed to impress with his jumping on his last two starts, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old brought his A-game to the table in the BetBright Dipper Novices' Chase.

Yanworth idled halfway up the run-in, but the dual Grade One-winning hurdler pulled out just enough to repel Sizing Tennessee by a neck.

King said of the 15-8 favourite: "His jumping was good. It looked like he was going to win well, but he pricked his ears up the run-in and I thought, 'God, he is going to throw this away'.

"I think he will have entries in both of those (RSA and JLT) but he wants another run.

"I would imagine we will look at something like the Reynoldstown (Ascot) and there is the Scilly Isles (Sandown). If we are taking the three-mile route then it will probably be Ascot."

On his 1,500th winner, the Barbury Castle handler said: "I'd been counting at home but hadn't told anyone.

"Katchit was very special, then there was My Way De Solzen, and Voy Por Ustedes.

"My Royal Ascot winner (Primitivo) was something I will never forget.

"I've had some lovely Grade Ones, and this boy has done his bit as well."