Saphir Du Rheu to make switch to hurdling

Owner Andy Stewart has revealed Saphir Du Rheu will revert to smaller obstacles for a likely tilt at the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Stewart has already landed the staying crown four times with the incredible Big Buck’s, who remarkably won 18 successive races over timber after unseating Sam Thomas in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Saphir Du Rheu has also not yet grasped the nettle over fences, having failed to complete on two of his three chasing starts, most recently coming to grief when favourite for the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day.