Cotte impresses on jumping debut

Lilium De Cotte, fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last term, made an impressive debut for trainer Nicky Henderson at Uttoxeter this afternoon.

The four-year-old came home five-lengths clear of the field in the Box Telematics Beginners’ Chase, beating Polar Red into second with Moreluck half a length away in third.

Formerly with Guillaume Macaire in France, Lilium De Cotte was a useful performer over timber last season and looks destined for better things over the larger obstacles this year.

He is now 16-1 chance from 20-1 with Blue Square, while Coral reacted to the gelding’s success by trimming him to 16-1 from 20-1 for the Arkle.

“Trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by J P McManus means this horse has Cheltenham Festival written all over it,” said Coral’s David Stevens.