Yanworth shock as King star falls on second start over fences at 2-9

Dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Yanworth was anticipated to make a seamless second chasing start but came to grief at the seventh fence as he crumpled on landing to give Barry Geraghty a soft fall, leaving 8-1 shot Briery Queen and Leighton Aspell to capitalise.

Alan King's seven-year-old was sent off at odds of 2-9 having made a pleasing chasing debut over two miles at this track last month, but he failed to record a second success over fences as he toppled over down the back straight, impeding British debutant Chameron in the process.

And then there were three, but the drama continued as the riderless Yanworth interfered with Briery Queen before the select field turned for home, but Aspell successfully manoeuvred the mare out of trouble.

None the worse: Yanworth and Barry Geraghty were both unharmed after the tumbleCredit: Harry Trump (Getty Images)

Four-year-old Chameron, who failed to jump with any fluency, attempted to make inroads as outsider Llancillo Lord dropped away, but he could not keep pace with Noel Williams' mare, who won comfortably by just over three lengths.

King, who was understandably disappointed, said: "He seems fine, he was just a bit gassy, has landed steeply and come down."

Of Briery Queen, who races in Helen Plumbly and Kathryn Leadbeater's red and white spotted silks, Williams said: "It was always the plan to come here regardless of what was entered and it was obviously unfortunate Yanworth came down."

He added: "However, my mare has jumped and travelled well and won that nicely. She will go to the mares' listed race at Warwick in December, a race the owners won last year with Briery Belle."

Bookmakers were seemingly unperturbed by the fall, with Betway reacting by pushing Yanworth out to 12-1 (from 11-1) for the RSA Chase, whereas he remains the 8-1 second favourite for the JLT.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com