Thomas Darby shows Long Distance talent
A NEW player emerged in the staying hurdle division when Thomas Darby claimed the scalp of Paisley Park with an emphatic win in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle on the opening day of the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival at Newbury on Friday.
On his third start over three miles, he had former champion Paisley Park , who had finished in front of him in their previous clash, back in third as he finished strongly to beat On The Blind Side by two-and-a-quarter lengths in the Grade 2 contest.
Since finishing second in the 2019 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Thomas Darby had only managed one victory from his next nine starts, but showed he could have more to offer over longer distances.
“I have been sick and tired of telling everyone he is a good horse,” said trainer Olly Murphy. “He probably has let me down.
“He hasn’t been on the big stage for a while and I am just delighted he has gone and won a big race and shown he can mix it with the big boys at three miles. He won with plenty of authority in the end.”
Thomas Darby, cut to 16-1 for the Stayers Hurdle by Ladbrokes, could now head to Ascot for the Long Walk Hurdle, which will also be under consideration for Paisley Park.
Jonbon reaped the benefit of an appearance at the Ladbrokes Gallops Morning 10 days earlier with an impressive hurdles debut in the Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle.
As the full brother of Douvan , who cost JP McManus £570,000, expectations
have been huge for the Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old.
“That was why he was here the other day,” said Henderson. “He didn’t need a gallop which was why he cantered round on his own.
“He was better and I call him a fidget because he wants to be on his toes,” added the trainer.
“His jumping took him to the front in the end, but he was only in second gear.”
Stage Story will return to Newbury over Christmas for the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle after making short work of his opponents to win the Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Novices’ Hurdle.
The 2-7 favourite eased to a seven-anda-half lengths victory over Unanswered Prayers under Harry Cobden to earn a crack at the race the Paul Nicholls stable captured with Bravemansgame last year.
Gary Moore, who reached 1,000 jumps winner on Thursday, hit 1,001 in somewhat fortuitous circumstances when Nassalam was presented with the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Novices’ Chase when two of his rivals fell.
Pic D’orhy was holding a comfortable lead when he fell four out, leaving Millers Bank in front until he unseated his rider two fences later, leaving Nassalam to coast to a 30 lengths win.