Mount heading straight to King George

Mount Benbulben will head straight to Kempton for the William Hill King George VI Chase on St Stephen’s Day.

The Grade One-winning novice looked certain to play a hand in the finish of the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his only run to date this season but unseated Danny Mullins at the fourth-last.

Trainer Gordon Elliott and owner Barry Connell had discussed trying to get another run into him in a race like the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown but have decided to keep their powder dry and send him to England for the Christmas highlight.