The New One Toughs It Out At Haydock

It wasn’t perhaps what connections would have wanted for their leading Champion Hurdle chance The New One at Haydock this afternoon as Sam Twiston-Davies had to roust his charge to maximum effort to prevail in the 2.05pm contest by 2 1/4 lengths over a gallant Bertimont in second.

Jumping right handed at many of the obstacles on what was very difficult conditions and an error a few from home put the pressure on horse and jockey to get to the long time leader Bertimont but he did get there with around 50 yards to spare and claim the spoils. Bookmakers reacted negatively to the run easing for the Champion Hurdle in March but trainer Nigel Twiston Davies was happy enough to blame conditions for a less than impressive performance.

“It wasn’t ideal and we will put it down to the ground. It’s the worst he has come across and the stiffest test he has faced this season.”

On the same card the Peter Marsh Chase was won in the driving rain by a very brave Samstown under Brian Harding. Returning at 16/1 the chaser just did enough in the finish to hold off Benbens in second and can thank a super round of jumping for giving him enough of an advantage in the finish.