King George looks an option for Weird Al

Donald McCain is reluctant to commit the talented but fragile Weird Al to the Hennessy Gold Cup after his terrific triumph in the first big jumps race of the season.

The injury-plagued eight-year-old leapt to favouritism in some books for the Newbury showpiece with victory in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday at Wetherby.

It was a fine comeback run, his first since being pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he burst a blood vessel, and a dream debut for McCain after moving from the Ian Williams yard.

"He's been out in the paddock this morning and is fine, no problems," said trainer McCain – who is based at Cholmondeley, north of Whitchurch – yesterday.

"I don't know about the Hennessy. I need to talk to the owners and have a chat about it. It can be a tough race at this stage of the season and I'd rather look at targets with smaller fields.

"The King George could be an option, but we'll see.

"He's a horse that needs some managing so we have to do what's best for him.

"He's a class horse. It was a good performance on Saturday and we want to do the job right."