Mullins: Late decision on Sir Des Champs KG run

Sir Des Champs could yet travel to Kempton to contest the William Hill King George VI Chase on St Stephen’s Day with trainer Willie Mullins describing his decision as to whether to run in that race or the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown as “a 50/50 call”.

A winner at both of the last two Cheltenham Festivals, Mullins’ charge met with his first defeat over fences when outpointed by Flemenstar at Punchestown earlier this month.

That defeat left Mullins feeling slightly dejected, the trainer saying that his charge “never really looked like winning”. But his faith in the six year old remains strong and the trainer is looking forward to getting him back on track over the Christmas period.