Somersby, who finished runner-up in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second successive year, is set to bid to end the season on a high note at Sandown next month.

The 11-year-old, trained by Mick Channon at West Ilsley, ran a blinder to chase home Dodging Bullets at the Cheltenham Festival last Wednesday – 12 months after occupying the same position behind Sire De Grugy.

Henrietta Knight, who trained the gelding at West Lockinge, near Wantage, before her retirement in June 2012, and now assists Channon with his select team of jumpers, revealed that Somersby could go for the Celebration Chase at the Esher track on Saturday, April 25.

Reflecting on her former charge’s gallant effort, she said: “Somersby ran a wonderful race.

“I suppose it played into his hands that the two principals (Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy) performed subnormally.

Latest Sport news

“His form was about the same with Dodging Bullets as it was in the Tingle Creek Chase (at Sandown).

“I think he will go for the Celebration Chase right at the end of the season.

“There should not be any Dodging Bullets or Sprinter Sacre, so he might have a bit of a chance.”

Knight was also encouraged by the display of the Channon-trained Knock House, who finished fifth to Irish Cavalier in the novices’ handicap chase at the Festival.

“He will make a nice staying chaser next year,” she added.