Lilium de Cotte a Cheltenham star in the making for JP

LILIUM DE COTTE, fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last term, made an impressive debut for owner JP McManus and trainer Nicky Henderson at Uttoxeter yesterday.

The four-year-old came home five-lengths clear of the field in the Box Telematics Beginners' Chase, beating Polar Red into second with Moreluck half a length away in third.

Formerly with Guillaume Macaire in France, Lilium De Cotte was a useful performer over timber last season and looks destined for better things over the larger obstacles this year.