Richards looking forward to Monet's return

Nicky Richards has pencilled in a November return for stable star Monet’s Garden ahead of a tilt at the Stan James King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day.

The eyecatching grey boasts an admirable record over fences having won three of his four starts, including the Grade Two Future Champion Novices’ Chase at Ayr on his final start in April.

Monet’s Garden suffered his only defeat when one and a quarter lengths behind Voy Por Ustedes in the Arkle Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and Richards is now looking to step the eight-year-old up in trip.

“He’s done very well and he’s very big and strong. He started cantering yesterday, we are just working away with him and hopefully we will have a good year,” he said.

“Everything in the first half of the season is going to be geared towards the King George at Kempton – that will answer a lot of questions for the second half of the season.

“Hopefully we will get to the King George in one piece and in good form and see how we go.”

Monet’s Garden, who was also a Grade Two winner over hurdles, is set to be introduced at a much lower level, with Richards eyeing a return at his local track.

“He may go to Carlisle for an intermediate chase very early in November,” the handler told At The Races.