Christmas Hurdle the long-term aim for Cliffs Of Dover

Cliffs Of Dover will be readied for a shot at the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day on his return from injury.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has earmarked the two-mile Grade One contest as the first major target for the four-year-old, who missed the Triumph Hurdle at last season's Cheltenham Festival after sustaining a leg injury in a schooling session.

The former Charlie Hills-trained gelding has not been seen in competitive action since winning a Grade Two at Doncaster in December, which was his sixth victory from just seven starts over hurdles.

Nicholls said: "Cliffs Of Dover is fine and is out in the field at the moment.

"He will come back in on September 1 with a view to having him ready for the Christmas Hurdle.

"That will be his first target."