Mcfabulous imperious in Persian War stroll

MCFABULOUS and jockey Harry Cobden were simply brilliant for trainer Paul Nicholls and owners Giraffa Racing in their victory in the feature on Day 1 of the 'Jumps Season Opener' at Chepstow Racecourse, the Grade 2 Unibet Persian War Novices' Hurdle.

Nicholls's 6-year-old son of Milan was running in a race filled with quality, but effortlessly defeated the field to earn quotes of 12-1 with some bookmakers for the Stayers' Hurdle at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival. The start of the race was brisk, with Fergal O'Brien's Courtandbould setting the pace alongside Petrastar for the D J Jeffreys stable. Over the second hurdle, Harry Cobden had the eventual winner settled on the inside, and a great leap briefly put the pair 3rd for a couple of strides, before settling to 6th place, but still well placed. Getaround, for the Ella Pickard operation and ridden by Bryan Carver, flattened the third, and as the field turned to head up the hill, the pace steadied, with One For The Team and Sam Twiston-Davies alongside Everglow and Richard Johnson bringing up the rear. Petrastar jumped out to the right at the 4th and 5th, taking Getaround with him and allowing Courtandbould and Paddy Brennan to take up the running once again. At this point, McFabulous moved into contention and jumped into 4th at the 7th flight.

As the field straightened for home, Getaround and Legends Ryde were quickly off the bridle as Courtandbould began to wind it up at the front. McFabulous however cruised into contention, and the pair quickly put 4 lengths between them and the field. Between the last two flights, McFabulous jumped into the lead, careered away from the field and accelerated to put the race to bed. A brilliant leap at the last sealed the race, with Courtandbould running a mighty respectable race to finish second, with One For The Team rallying for 3rd close home.