King hints at Exeter chase debut for star hurdler Yanworth

Grade 1-winning hurdler Yanworth is set to go novice chasing this winter, trainer Alan King has revealed.

Winner of the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree when last seen, the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful two seasons over hurdles, recording eight wins, including the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

He finished seventh when sent off favourite for the Champion Hurdle last season and was then subsequently disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance.

Alan King has three to fire at the Betfred Cesarewitch TrialCredit: Edward Whitaker

A switch to chasing now awaits, and King said on his website: "Yanworth is just starting back and the plan is to go over fences, with Exeter his possible first port of call.

"It's a smashing track to get a novice going, but obviously it’s early days to make concrete plans."

Yanworth, who has an official BHA rating of 163 over hurdles, is 10-1 favourite for the RSA Chase, while he is around the same price for the JLT Novices' Chase and a 16-1 chance for the Racing Post Arkle.