Balthazar King gunning for third win in Cross Country Chase

If there is to be a fairytale winner at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, then a third victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase today for Balthazar King is likely to be it.

After winning the race in both 2014 and 2012 a decision was made to skip the three-mile-six-furlong prize last year in favour of keeping him fresh for the Crabbie’s Grand National.

Having finished second in the Aintree showpiece in 2014, the 12-year-old made it only as far as the Canal Turn in last year’s race, in the process suffering several broken ribs and putting his career in the balance.