George Ready For Walk Test

Jimmy Moffatt believes Chief Dan George can put his disappointing seasonal debut behind him when he lines-up for the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

Chief Dan George trailed in sixth of seven behind Inglis Drever in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury earlier this month on his first run since April.

However, he has pleased his Cartmel trainer since then and connections are hopeful of a much improved effort in the Grade One contest over three miles and one furlong.

'He just probably needed his first run. It was as simple as that,' said Moffatt.

'We're going to do everything the same but it should all be better.

'He's absolutely fine and we are looking forward to it very much. The owners are all going down in the wagon so we're going to have a bit of fun.'

The seven-year-old won five of his seven races after joining Moffatt last season, culminating in a four-length win in the Grade One Sefton Novices' Hurdle over three miles at Aintree.

Chief Dan George, the mount of Mick Fitzgerald, is a 14-1 chance to land the spoils.

(C) PA Sport