Macaire pragmatic about Cochet’s King George prospects

JAIR DU COCHET, the horse no money can buy, is about to step up a gear in his preparations for the traditional St Stephen’s Day highlight, the Pertemps King George VI Chase.

The French-trained star, who overturned the brilliant Best Mate at Huntingdon in last month’s Peterborough Chase, heads next for the Kempton showpiece, which Best Mate won last year.

With trainer Henrietta Knight still uncertain as to whether her charge will bid for a second success or travel to Ireland over the festive period, the chances of a rematch are uncertain.