Gift team considers options

Connections of Iris’s Gift are mulling the options for the grey following his pleasing performance on his comeback from injury in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

The 2004 Stayers’ Hurdle winner put up a faultless round of jumping on Saturday but needed the run more than expected and faded into fifth place behind Our Vic.

It was the Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding’s first race since he sustained a hairline fracture in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“We were delighted with him. Obviously we were disappointed as we went there to win but he needed it. He’s come out of it well and ate up last night,” said owner Robert Lester.

“That’s probably the best he’s ever jumped. He didn’t touch a twig and for two miles he was absolutely fantastic. It was just in the last half-mile that he started to weaken. He looked well and won the best turned out.

“There were positives to come out of the race. Dominic (Elsworth) gave him a brilliant ride and he stays on the horse all season.

“We only finished fifth but it was a good performance and there were good horses like Take The Stand and Church Island behind him.

“We’ve nothing planned yet. Jonjo’s going to have a look and see what the options are and see what the handicapper does with him.”