Betfair Hurdle success for Nicholls and Pic D’Orhy

33-1 triumph in valuable handicap.

Pic D’Orhy defied a big weight to win an eventful renewal of the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

The drama began down at the start when the starter deemed the jockeys were not listening to his instructions and demanded a standing start.

That caused problem for ante-post fancy and front-runner Not So Sleepy, who completely missed the break and set off in last position.

Then on landing over the first flight another of the leading lights, Nicky Henderson’s Never Adapt, was quickly pulled up by Barry Geraghty.

Once the race eventually settled down Willie Mullins’ well-backed Ciel De Neige was up there forcing the pace, along with Highly Prized, who dropped away before the last.

The sole Irish raider was still in front, but the challengers, including 66-1 chance Remiluc, Sir Valentine and Pic D’Orhy (33-1) were mounting.

It was Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy who scrambled home in front for Harry Cobden by three-quarters of a length from Ciel De Neige and Remiluc, with Sir Valentine fourth in a blanket finish.

There were a number of fallers at the final flight, but happily all horses and riders were reported to have emerged unscathed.

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Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden Pic D'orhy

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