Cheltenham return on cards for Karabak

Alan King is likely to give Karabak one more run before the gelding bids for glory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old was fourth to Big Buck’s in the championship contest last March but showed he will be a worthy opponent to the dual winner when winning the Relkeel Hurdle on Saturday.

He could return to Cheltenham for a two-and-a-half mile event in January before being prepared for the Festival.

“The horse deserved it. He’s never really run a bad race in his life so I was delighted he got his head in front,” said the Barbury Castle trainer.

“He does get an 8lb penalty for the race back here on New Year’s Day but we will certainly look at it and it’s quite likely he’ll go for it.

“He’ll probably just have the one more run before the Festival.”