3 minute read

Sandown's Imperial Cup could be a target for unlucky Betfair Hurdle sixth Arzal.

Trained by Harry Whittington, the novice was brought almost to a standstill by the fall of Chieftain's Choice.

Knocked to the back of the field, his young jockey Paul O'Brien did not panic and gave his mount time to recover, with Arzal running on well to finish sixth.

"If they'd been let go first time it might have suited us better, but we can't do anything about that," said Whittington.

"Paul didn't panic and just let him find his stride, he took him to the outside and let him get into a rhythm and then he showed his talent in the straight.

"He came home well to finish sixth and would have been closer without the interference.

"He'll get an entry in the County Hurdle but the Imperial Cup might come into it before then.

"At least he showed he settles better now and we can ride a race on him. He'll have learned a lot from that."