Tough debut over fences for Thomas Darby

SUPREME Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Thomas Darby again had to make do with minor honours on his debut over fences, behind Maire Banrigh at Warwick.

Having beaten all bar the Willie Mullins-trained Klassical Dream in the Cheltenham Festival curtainraiser eight months ago, the Olly Murphy-trained Thomas Darby was the 8-11 favourite on his reappearance in the Use The racingtv.com Tracker Novices’ Chase.

However, his task was far from straightforward, with Dan Skelton saddling Maire Banrigh - a mare who had won her on three most recent starts, including a dominant display on her first start over the larger obstacles at Stratford a month ago.

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Clearly keen to make race fitness always the nearest pursuer in the and chasing experience count, hands of champion jockey Richard Skelton sent 6-4 chance Maire Johnson.

Banrigh to the lead from the off, Skelton raised the pace, racing with a keen-going Thomas Darby down the back straight - and while

Thomas Darby did his best to close the gap after the turn for home, Maire Banrigh found enough in front to hold him at bay by a length.

Part-owner John Hales, who has seen his colours carried to big-race success by the likes of One Man, Azertyuiop, Neptune Collonges and Politologue over the years, was full of praise for his latest winner.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of good horses over the years, and she’s right up there in terms of ability – she has a lot of talent.”

Hales will consult his trainer about plans for the remainder of the season.

He added: “Dan’s not here today, so I’ll have to have a chat with him about our next objective.”