Al Ferof is to get an entry in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup after his valiant effort in defeat in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Now trained by Dan Skelton, the John Hales-owned grey occupied third place in the Christmas highlight for a third year in succession.

Though he will be given an option to run in the Gold Cup, Al Ferof is more likely to be seen at the Cheltenham Festival in the Ryanair Chase over a shorter trip.

Skelton said: "Al Ferof is spot-on after the King George.

"He will have an entry in the Gold Cup, but it's more than likely that he'll go for the Ryanair."

Al Ferof has been a fine servant to connections, winning nine times for Paul Nicholls before his switch to Skelton, for whom he won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on his penultimate start.