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2026 Novice Hurdlers

Nico de Boinville, riding his first winner since his return from injury, bounced into an early lead and while Hurricane Pat, a smart horse in his own right, tried to keep tabs, it was clear early in the straight he was struggling.

The 4-5 favourite coasted close home, but still won by 18 lengths.

“He was so professional. If anything was going to beat him it was going to be the track today and that is why his turn of foot was so devastating really,” said De Boinville.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more, I’m delighted with the horse and he’s got such a massive future ahead of him.

“He’s so straightforward, he knows exactly where his feet are but I wanted to give him a race at the same time as it’s six weeks to the Festival.

“It was the plan to load it up as much as we could and then see what we had, but he stays so well. I was worried about the track, but I’ve no worries now.”

He added: “Not many win like that, so I’m delighted, and ground doesn’t seem to bother him. I really like this horse.”
 
Henderson said: “He was very good. It was great. He jumped the first two then he just rolled on.

"I know Gary (and Josh Moore’s) horse Hurricane Pat came and had a look at him at the last on the far side, but he only got a look at him, but he didn’t see much more of him.

“You would assume he is a two miler and if he can do that around Haydock Park why go any further, so therefore we know where we are going.

“There was no point after Cheltenham (of not going front the front) when you are coming back on to a sharp track like Haydock Park. That is what I liked about today as you have got to have pace to do that and he had them well strung out. "That was what was impressive that nothing could get anywhere near him. He gets in a lovely rhythm with his jumping.

“He has a funny style of jumping as he rolls his back and his backend comes over it and he is away every time. You couldn’t fault him really. I was surprised and impressed at Cheltenham and I’m relieved and impressed today.

“He has hasn’t just gone away and won it, he has moved up a peg again. At this stage of it you would have to say (that he is as good as my other Supreme horses). I think he has beaten decent horses today as at Cheltenham you could say what was in there.

“On paper before Cheltenham looked a respectable race, but this had depth to it, and they didn’t get anywhere near him.”
 
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"At this stage of it you would have to say that he is as good as my other Supreme horses."

Big statement even from Henderson!
 
OPS got a 143 last time. Christ knows what they'll hand him today
 
Talk The Talk 147
Skylight Hustle 146
Mighty Park 145
Koktail Brut 144
Blake 143
Idaho Sun 143
Old Park Star 143
The Passing Wife 143
 
Obviously can knock Talk The Talk on the head...
 
OPS got a 143 last time. Christ knows what they'll hand him today
151 is my guess. Soldier Reeves will have run to form - 128. +18 for the length of victory. + 5 for ease of victory.
 
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Can't believe we all missed Sinchi Roca on Thursday at Wincanton.

3/1...... Bargain.
 
What a performance by Old Park Star yesterday! Wish I could say I have him backed but I don't.😞

As quite a disciplined punter, I would never dream of trying to get a 9/4 antepost shot in the book but I just can't seem to stop myself on this occasion, almost certainly because it's the first race of the Festival. Good luck with the roll up attempts for others in the same boat!
 
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What a performance by Old Park Star yesterday! Wish I could say I have him backed but I don't.😞

As quite a disciplined punter, I would never dream of trying to get a 9/4 antepost shot in the book but I just can't seem to stop myself on this occasion, almost certainly because it's the first race of the Festival. Good luck with the roll up attempts for others in the same boat!
Welcome to my boat 😂 roll ups incoming!
 
What a performance by Old Park Star yesterday! Wish I could say I have him backed but I don't.😞

As quite a disciplined punter, I would never dream of trying to get a 9/4 antepost shot in the book but I just can't seem to stop myself on this occasion, almost certainly because it's the first race of the Festival. Good luck with the roll up attempts for others in the same boat!
Completely agree. That was some performance
 
Paddy quietly clipping Mighty Park price for the turners.. shhh
 
The horse that beat Mighty Park, Harry Lowes, in his PTP runs at Windsor today…