Mares' Chase aim for The Glancing Queen after back-to-back Listed wins

Thursday: Warwick

Alan King will work back from the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with The Glancing Queen following her second Listed mares’ novice chase success.

The seven-year-old finished fifth in the Mares’ Novices' Hurdle at the big meeting last season and backed up her chase debut victory at Bangor with a seven-and-a-half length triumph under Tom Cannon.

She was introduced into the Mares’ Chase betting at 14-1 with the race sponsors.

King said: “Her jumping was very good and I’m thrilled with her. I’d have been very disappointed if she hadn’t won today even with the penalty. She is a point-to-point winner so she has had a bit of experience over fences, but she has been good from day one.

“We will work back from Cheltenham and it is ideal we have the Mares’ Chase to aim at now. We’ll give her one or two more runs before then.”

Emotional success

Solihull trainer Deborah Cole enjoyed her first winner in 20 years following a hiatus from the training ranks when 50-1 shot Hauraki Gulf landed the bumper.

Cole took up roles as a chef and hotel manager during her time away from training under rules and teamed up with conditional Gearoid Harney, who enjoyed his first winner on the six-year-old.

Cole said: “I decided to stop training due to personal reasons but I’ve missed racing so much and thought I’d have another go. It’s absolutely amazing to see him win – it’s a miracle!”

Results, replays and analysis

Win the ultimate Cheltenham Festival experience in the Racing Post Christmas Countdown. You and three friends could travel to the festival in style with helicopter transfers from your hotel. Simply place a bet on the Racing Post app this Friday to be entered into the prize draw, plus there are weekly prizes to be won. Find out the full details here.