Kelrev given hurdles prep for Cheltenham

Venetia Williams is to give Kelrev an unorthodox preparation for what she hopes will be a bountiful spell for her French import by running him in the Tote betXpress Showcase Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on Monday.

Keen to take advantage of the gelding’s vastly different hurdles mark, the race will be an unlikely stepping stone towards the new £100,000 Vodafone Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury on March 6.