Prince in Hennessy picture

Wayward Prince, one of last season‘s top novice chasers, is likely to make his seasonal reappearance in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury later this month.

A Grade One winner over hurdles for Ian Williams, he landed the Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby before finishing third, beaten just a length by Bostons Angel, in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March.

He signed off for the campaign when fourth behind Quito De La Roque at Aintree but had the look of a horse ready for a summer break that day, and Williams is eagerly looking forward to the new season with him.

Wayward Prince has been given the option of taking on Long Run and Kauto Star at Haydock in the Betfair Chase on November 19, but a trip to Newbury a week later is in the offing.

“I haven‘t made any decisions yet but I would imagine the Hennessy is the likely target,” said Williams.

“The Hennessy is a race second-season novices have a good record in so hopefully he fits the bill.

“He‘s certainly one we‘re looking forward to this season.”