Redford on the Road to Albert Bartlett glory

Jamie Bargary guided Redford Road (10-1) to a brave victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2), defeating fellow Cotswold Native Champagne Well and Paddy Brennan in a thrilling finish to a steadily-run race for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and owners the Options O Syndicate.

Early on, The Mulcair and Harry Skelton stole a 5 to 6 length lead, with Mossy Fen the nearest pursuer under Sam Twiston-Davies, who earlier this week had stated that he had a tough choice to make over him and the eventual winner. The pace was not that strong after the first two hurdles, sensible given the going. Approaching the home straight on the first circuit, Kiltealy Briggs and Adrian Heskin took up the running, and the quite tightly bunched field remained as such until after 3 out. The early leader began to struggle, and as the field turned into the home straight 4 horses were in with a shout of victory. These included Champagne Well, who followed Redford Road forward and in the process checked Mossy Fen, who began to drop back.

Fergal O'Brien would have been delighted at the final hurdle to see Brennan chuck Champage Well at it, and immediately after the flight it looked as if they would prevail. But Redford Road was game, and under a strong drive from Bargary, got up for connections to prevail by just under a length. Speaking to Alice Plunkett on ITV Racing, Jamie stated the horse was "as honest as the day is long", and it seems certain that Nigel has another crack stayer at his disposal heading into the Festival.

Photos: ©Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images.