Friday 15 March · Cheltenham, England
14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)
- Distance
- 2m 7f 213y
- Going
- Heavy
- Class
- 1
- Prize
- GBP 135000
- Runners
- 13
Race preview
Readin Tommy Wrong has continued to improve with each start, causing a minor surprise when taking the Lawlor's Of Naas in January, and the manner of that performance suggested there would be more to come when stepping up further in trip. Dancing City rose to prominence for this contest at the Dublin Racing Festival and is another solid contender, along with the unbeaten High Class Hero. That said, the vote goes to the outsider of the Willie Mullins quartet in LECKY WATSON. Fourth in the Champion Bumper last season, his hurdling debut success at Thurles earmarked him as being suited to this event and subsequent efforts over shorter distances, including when runner-up to Supreme hero Slade Steel at Navan, offer plenty of encouragement. The addition of a hood may also benefit him. Captain Teague, who was one place ahead of the selection last year, won the Challow with something to spare at Newbury and gives the impression he will take another step forward. Similar comments apply to Gidleigh Park, who maintained his unbeaten record here on Trials Day.
| Pos | Horse | Form | Jockey | Trainer | Wgt | SP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stellar Story | 11-1324 | Sam Ewing | G Elliott | 11 7 | 33-1 | |
| 2 | The Jukebox Man | 121-113 | Kielan Woods | B Pauling | 11 7 | 18-1 | |
| 3 | Dancing City | 2/12-511 | Danny Mullins | W P Mullins | 11 7 | 8-1 | |
| 4 | Spread Boss Ted | 412-611 | Sean O'Keeffe | W P Mullins | 11 7 | 40-1 | |
| 5 | Lecky Watson | 245-123 | Brian Hayes | W P Mullins | 11 7 | 16-1 | |
| 6 | Gidleigh Park | 1-111 | J J Burke | H Fry | 11 7 | 9-2 | |
| 7 | Search For Glory | 7-13141 | Jack Kennedy | G Elliott | 11 7 | 22-1 | |
| 8 | Johnnywho | 1/1-144 | Jonjo O'Neill Jr. | J & A O'Neill | 11 7 | 16-1 | |
| 9 | Dripsey Moon | 1-12565 | Ben Harvey | J C McConnell | 11 7 | 200-1 | |
| 10 | Captain Teague | 1/13-121 | Harry Cobden | P F Nicholls | 11 7 | 6-1 | |
| 11 | Chigorin | 3-31 | Rachael Blackmore | H De Bromhead | 11 7 | 12-1 | |
| - | High Class Hero | 1/11111 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | 11 7 | 10-1 | |
| - | Readin Tommy Wrong | 2/1111 | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | 11 7 | 2-1 | |
| NR | Butcher Hollow | 1-1223 | Sean Flanagan | T Cooper | 11 7 | ||
| NR | Shanagh Bob | 1-11 | Non Runner | N J Henderson | 11 7 |