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Cheltenham-bound Willoughby Court delights Ben Pauling with 'fabulous' work

3 minute read

Cheltenham Festival hero Willoughby Court remains on course to return to Prestbury Park in the Betbright Dipper Novices' Chase on New Year's Day.

Willoughby Court Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Last season's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle hero did not entirely convince with his jumping on his chasing debut at Huntingdon in November, but was far more sure-footed when claiming the scalp of Yanworth in a Grade Two at Newbury earlier this month.

Trainer Ben Pauling was thrilled with his six-year-old's latest blowout on the gallops and is excited to get him back into action at Cheltenham.

Pauling said: "I could not be happier with Willoughby Court.

"He had an easy time after Newbury - just ticking over - and did his first piece of work this morning.

"It was fabulous and it is all systems go for Cheltenham on New Year's Day."