Chief Stipe Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 Espoir D’Allen produced a scintillating performance to win the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the famous Cheltenham jumps festival overnight. The Nicky Henderson-trained Buveur D’Air was bidding to join the greats by recording a third successive victory in the race, and Espoir D’Allen lined up very much under the radar. Despite having won each of his three previous starts this season, and eight of his nine since joining trainer Gavin Cromwell, Espoir D’Allen was at 16-to-one. However, there was certainly no fluke about his devastating display. Buveur D’Air fell at the third hurdle while the prolific Apple’s Jade was in trouble some way out. With the way clear, Walsh on Espoir D’Allen engaged overdrive from the home turn to power 15 lengths clear. “It’s brilliant, unbelievable,” Cromwell said. “He’s been winning Grade Threes this year, so to win this is fantastic. “I’m shell-shocked to win anyway, but to win like that – I’m just lost for words. When Buveur D’Air fell, we nearly got brought down. It’s unbelievable, I’m completely lost for words.” While out of luck in the feature event, it was another productive opening day for Irish trainer Willie Mullins as he saddled Klassical Dream to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and swiftly followed up with Duc Des Genievres in the Arkle Challenge Trophy. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.