King George VI Chase second favourite Waiting Patiently was seen having a run out after racing had finished at Hexham on Wednesday and jockey Brian Hughes was very happy to be on board the Ruth Jefferson trained seven year old.
The stable star for the yard has not made his seasonal reappearance yet this season and the first time he will be unleashed is set to be at Kempton in the big Grade 1 on Boxing Day.
The Irish bred horse made a real statement last season by keeping his unbeaten record over obstacles and in the process managing to land the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February beating the infamous Cue Card.
Waiting Patiently with a stablemate travelled nearly a circuit of the track with Brian Hughes on board and in total jumping four fences elegantly. This topped off a superb day for Hughes who managed to land a treble on the Hexham card earlier in the day.
The jockey is very much looking forward to riding him in the King George on Boxing day.
(Credit At The Races) He said: “It wasn’t really a gallop, to be honest. It was just a case of letting him having a day away having not run in a while.
“He cantered behind his lead horse and jumped the fences well and Ruth was happy with him.
“From my point of view he felt great and was nice and settled.”
The seven year old is a best priced 6/1 to take his second Grade 1 victory against some of the best chasing stars in the game including 3/1 market leader Might Bite and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River 8/1.
Hughes added: “It’s obviously going to be a tough ask – running in a King George on his first run of the season – but it is what it is.
“He feels as well as ever and we’re looking forward to it.”
(Credit At The races)