Graded hurdler Hillcrest set to make long-awaited chasing debut after two and half years off the track

Graded hurdler Hillcrest is ready to make his long-awaited chase debut with a return from a two-and-a-half-year absence at Exeter on Friday. 

The imposing nine-year-old is being prepared to line up after a 966-day break in the 3m novice chase (1.50), in which he could be joined by smart prospects Shanagh Bob and Captain Teague in a bid for a first success over fences after his successful hurdling career. 

After being pulled up in the 2022 Albert Bartlett, for which he was favourite under Richard Patrick, Hillcrest was ruled out for two subsequent seasons to allow time for an injured leg to recover due to his size, and trainer Henry Daly is eager to see his smart runner finally tackle fences this winter.