Sprinter Sacre: Ascot run planned after Newbury workout

Jockey Barry Geraghty was sitting on Sprinter Sacre for the first time in 2014

Former champion chaser Sprinter Sacre is set to return from more than a year out at Ascot next month after completing a workout at Newbury.

He has not raced since being diagnosed with a heart complaint after being pulled up at Kempton in December 2013.

The eight-year-old jumped five fences in Newbury's back straight under Barry Geraghty on Monday.

"It was a massive step in the right direction," said trainer Nicky Henderson.

He hopes the horse will race in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on 17 January.

Sprinter Sacre was rated one of the most brilliant chasers, winning races at the 2013 Festivals at Cheltenham (Queen Mother Champion Chase), Aintree (Melling Chase) and Punchestown (Champion Chase).