Emma Lavelle considering Cheltenham festival Bumper tilt with See the World

Emma Lavelle will consider a tilt at the Weatherbys Champion Bumper for See The World following his extraordinary performance at Wincanton on Thursday.

The five-year-old galloped into a clear lead heading down the back straight on his racecourse debut at the Somerset track, but looked to have lost all chance when hanging badly left from the home turn.

However, Aidan Coleman got his mount back on an even keel and, remarkably, he fairly powered home in the straight to win by four and a half lengths and was even eased down late in the day.

Lavelle was not hugely surprised by the obvious talent he displayed and is confident his waywardness was no more than a blip.

She said: “He did what we hoped would do. He’s always been a horse we thought a lot of at home and he’s basically very straightforward.

“We didn’t know if he would handle that very heavy ground. He is a very good moving horse, so I’m pretty sure he’ll prefer better ground.

“I think the issue on the day was he slightly forgot himself. He just went out there galloping in a straight line and I think he forgot he had to turn a corner!

“We’ve had absolutely no issues at home. He’s been as good as gold. Apart from when he came from his owner-breeders, he’s never been away from home and he does all his work in behind other horses.

“It was an extraordinary performance, to stop like that on the home turn and then get going again and finish like he did.

“I think the engine is probably even bigger than we thought.”

Lavelle will now discuss with See The World’s connections whether to prepare him for a trip to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“After a performance like that you immediately think we’ll only get one chance of going for the Champion Bumper, but we’ll have to see,” said the trainer.

“Despite what happened on Thursday, I wouldn’t have any huge concerns about him going there as he is really very straightforward.

“I think he just needs a lead, which you’d hope he’ll get at Cheltenham. If he doesn’t then he really is an aeroplane!

“He is obviously a baby, so is it right to go to Cheltenham with him? We’ll see. I’ll have to chat with the owners and then see which way we’re going to go.”

The Andover-based handler has unsurprisingly fielded a few calls from potential buyers since the victory, but is confident her exciting youngster will not be sold.

Lavelle said: “We have had a few calls but the owners bred the horse themselves, he’s a home-bred and they’re keen to keep him. At the end of the day, this is why they breed horses.”