Waiting Patiently for Boxing Day offers up a late Christmas present

Waiting Patiently can strike a huge blow for the north when he lines up for the Grade 1 King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, writes REG MOORE.

The connections have been living up to the seven-year-old’s name since he made his hurdle debut in 2015.

That was for Malcolm Jefferson, but the Norton, North Yorkshire, trainer sadly passed away in February, and his daughter, Ruth, is now in change.

Just days after Malcolm lost a long battle with cancer, Ruth turned Waiting Patiently out to win an Aintree Grade 1, from Cue Card.

Typical of Jefferson senior’s regime, they have been extremely patient with the stable star, and on Wednesday he goes to the races for only the tenth time.

Since his initial seconds on his first two outings at Hexham and Doncaster, the son of Fleminsfirth has won seven straight races.

He does step up in trip, but jockey Brian Hughes has no fears with the additional three furlongs, on what is more of a speed track.

Waiting Patiently is rated 170, 2lb lower than favourite, Might Bite, and six behind Gold Cup winner, Native River, who will want rain.

Last year’s winner, Might Bite will be a formidable rival, for he went on to fight an epic Gold Cup battle with winner, Native River, in March.

Nicky Henderson’s runner may be better suited to the track than Colin Tizzard’s Native River but both are proven, experienced rivals.

There is no doubt that Waiting Patiently is the potential improver in a select field, and victory would be a wonderful tribute to Malcolm Jefferson.

Grand National hero, One For Arthur, is among 18 entries for the Grade 3 Rowland Merrick Chase on Boxing Day, as his route back to Aintree takes shape.