Gutsy win for Wayward

Wayward Prince: Now two from two over fences

Wayward Prince dug deep to win the Ultima Frontrunner In IT Solutions Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.

The recent Huntingdon scorer moved strongly just off the pace and went to the fore at the third last fence.

He still had plenty to do two out to fend off Balthazar King, Chicago Grey and Beshabar but his job was made somewhat easier as the latter pair came to grief.

Balthazar King maintained his challenge at the last but it was Dougie Costello's mount who found most for pressure to score by four and a quarter lengths.

Ian Williams said: "He's a rock-solid horse and has performed well.

"He didn't jump with the fluency that I had expected of him - that was maybe down to the ground, which could be a bit tacky out there.

"Dougie also felt they just weren't going quick enough for him, and that he would appreciate a proper gallop.

"He's done what he needed to do, but there may be a bit of improvement needed from him.

"We'll possibly bring him back here for the December meeting, but there's load of options."

Dougie Costello said: "I said to Richard (Johnson, rider of Balthazar King) when we were trotting back in that I felt I was only going half-speed and in second gear - that's because he has such a high cruising speed and he idles.

"I was trying to go quick enough and not get there too soon. I had to kick-on three out but at the same time I was waiting for a bit of company.

"I still felt I had the beating of the horse who fell at the second-last because I was only getting into third gear."

Christian Williams, who was brought down on Beshabar, suffered a suspected fracture to his left arm.