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Ben Pauling on Cheltenham Festival winner Willoughby Court

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: David Bass riding Willoughby Court (C) clear the last to win The Neptune Investment Management Novicesâ Hurdle from Neon W
Image: Willoughby Court will be put away for the season

Cheltenham Festival winner Willoughby Court remains unlikely to run again this season.

The six-year-old produced an amazing performance from the front in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle on Wednesday, refusing to buckle when strongly-pressed by favourite Neon Wolf up the famous hill.

Trainer Ben Pauling, who has a chasing career in mind for his rising star, said: "He could not be better. He has come out of it very well but he looks like he has had a race.

"There are no two ways about it as he is a little bit lighter than he was.

"He has just trotted and been walking since. I don't think he will run again this season, but you can never say never.

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"I think he's a chaser all over as his jumping is what makes him the horse that he is."

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