HOOF PRINTS

SCEAU ROYAL made a triumphant return to action in the Potter Group Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las yesterday.

The eight- year- old was last seen finishing last of five runners in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Back over the smaller obstacles for the first time since filling the runner- up spot in the 2019 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, the 10- 1 shot under Daryl Jacob was always travelling strongly, and pulled two and three- quarter lengths clear of Ballyandy at the line.

Trainer Alan King said: “We’ve got all sorts of options now. We could look at the Elite Hurdle, which is in three weeks’ time at Wincanton. He might have an entry in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham next month and there’s also the Shloer Chase on the same weekend.

“He doesn’t have to go straight back over fences.

“The ground is the key to him, because he doesn’t want a slog - running in those heavy- ground Tingle Creeks are no use to him.”