James Owen is targeting the County Hurdle at the Ambiente Friendly after the 2024 Derby runner-up secured his first hurdle victory at Huntingdon. The four-year-old horse, owned by the Gredley family, was narrowly beaten only by City of Troy at Epsom last season and placed third in the Irish Derby. Now focusing on hurdles, he made his debut at Cheltenham last month.
Having experience at Prestbury Park proved beneficial, as the 4-5 favorite appeared more at ease with jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, showing impressive resilience to come back from behind and beat Ben Polling’s Wandering Why by half a length. Owen expressed relief, noting the horse has been a major challenge but is very talented despite a dip in form since the Derby. He was pleased with the progress seen, with the horse settling better and displaying strong determination, which is uncommon for flat racers.
Owen added that the horse learned much at Cheltenham and, although still developing, is enjoying his newfound focus on hurdles. Initially worried about soft ground conditions, the horse adapted well and is expected to improve further. Owen believes the horse was born to endure, reflecting on his Derby performance and explaining the challenge of teaching him to adjust his pace for hurdling.
Though the horse’s odds for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival shortened from 100s to 66-1, plans lean towards a handicap hurdle race before potentially returning to flat racing. Owen views the County Hurdle as the horse’s best chance at Cheltenham, confident in his stamina on the demanding course. He emphasized the horse’s class and youthfulness, suggesting potential success over hurdles could lead to a comeback on the flat.
Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy, a point-to-point winner for Kim Bailey and Matt Nicholls, made an impressive hurdles debut by dominating his Maiden Hurdle at Sky Bet Club. The horse, associated with the colors of Sir Francis Brooke and Sir Richard Pilkington and reminiscent of the late Chianti Classico, finally claimed a victory at his third attempt at this track. Bailey praised his performance, highlighting his steady improvement and promising future, although noting he’s not the fastest.
Bailey admitted the horse took time to get ready this season due to blood-related issues and patience was required, hoping this win justifies the wait. The horse will face additional challenges next time but carries the physical endurance necessary for longer races.
Jonjo and AJ O’Neill celebrated a win with We Are Red and Blue in the Sky Bet Handicap Hurdle, marking their first victory since a brief yard closure. However, their team missed out on a double success as Sarah Jayne Davies’ Zacony Rebel won the subsequent Sky Bet Build-A-Bet Handicap Chase over Trappista.
In the Sky Bet For The Fans Henrietta Knight Meres Open NH Flat race, newcomer Tima Muzel emerged victorious, adding to the strong showing from Gary and Josh Moore’s training partnership and jockey Caoilin Quinn. The Lower Beading team has enjoyed four wins in two days at Sandown and seems to have uncovered another promising talent, edging out Willie Mullins’ favorite Wonderful Everyday, who disappointed by finishing tenth.
Fan Take: This exciting mix of emerging talent and strong performances in hurdles and flat racing highlights the depth and future potential within the sport. For horse racing fans, these developments signal thrilling contests ahead and the growth of horses capable of competing at the highest levels across different race types.
