Cole Harden made all the running to land today’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, doctor holding at bay the Paul Nicholls-trained pair of Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar, sales who finished second and third.
The distances were three and a quarter lengths and the same, with At Fishers Cross – who was third last year – a neck further back in fourth.
One moment that jockey Noel Fehily will not want to relive came at the second-last hurdle, when Zarkandar blundered and lost several places. Reflecting on the race, Nicholls said: “Zarkandar was very unlucky – he was travelling really well and that mistake cost him any chance.
“Saphir Du Rheu [ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies] was just going flat out on that ground and couldn’t go any quicker, which was a concern for me before the race. He travelled okay, but just lacks a gear on ground like today’s.
“It’s great for the lads that have won the race, but I think we were unlucky with Zarkandar. Ask Noel what he thinks – the horse was travelling so well and then that happens.”
Trainer Rebecca Curtis was pleased to see the A P McCoy-ridden At Fishers Cross put up an improved performance after some lacklustre efforts this season. Curtis said: “He’s run a blinder and it was lovely to see him finish his race today. He ran on up the hill despite bumping into a bit of trouble a couple of times, and A P said if he had known the horse was going to stay on so well he would have kept him a bit handier.
“It’s nice to see him back and showing enthusiasm. He loves Cheltenham but also seems to be more of a spring horse. He always has little problems. The first-time blinkers have done him no harm – they may have helped a bit.”