Champion Chase winner Special Tiara set for a trip to Sandown for the Celebration Chase next month

REIGNING champion chaser Special Tiara could head to the Celebration Chase at Sandown next month.

The 10-year-old had finished third in the Champion Chase in 2015 and 2016, but he finally enjoyed his moment in the spotlight when seeing off Fox Norton by a head.

Owner Sally Rowley-Williams believes the sound ground conditions at Cheltenham played a key role in the victory, and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Special Tiara is now set to contest the Celebration Chase - a race he won in 2015 - on the final day of the season.

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Rowley-Williams said: "It was a wonderful day. I've always been a big believer in my horse and it was great to see him do it on the big day.

"It does make you think if he had had that quicker ground over the years, how much more could he have achieved?

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"We were just lucky that all the stars aligned on the day and he was able to show his best.

"Punchestown would be unlikely. He does run well at Sandown and I think he's going for the Celebration Chase, all being well.

"He's won the race before and should have won a Tingle Creek, too, but for getting a bump, so he does like Sandown."