3 minute read
Evan Williams' charge earned introductory quotes of 33/1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, with race sponsor Paddy Power following his tenacious victory in the Grade 2 Trustatrader Novices' Hurdle.
The well-backed 4/7 favourite Captain Teague travelled kindly rounding the final bend and although he was always in contention jumping the last, the pair to his outside, The Big Doyen and Minella Missile, both looked to have his measure coming up the famous Cheltenham hill.
Evan Williams' Minella Missile continued to dig deep furthest from the near side rail and although Captain Teague battled on well to regain the second place, he was never a match for the 22/1 chance, who landed the Grade 2 prize under a patient ride from Adam Wedge.
The son of Beat Hollow also caused a surprise when winning on his Rules debut at Chepstow last month and once again defied market expectations at Prestbury Park.
Trainer, Evan Williams said: "We liked him in Chepstow,"
"But the time was very, very slow so we were a little bit concerned and backing him up quickly - just 17 days - so you're always a bit wary but we half had an inkling that we hoped he could be okay, so it was lovely to see him do that.
"We were happy with him but I'm happy with selling platers some days; it's nice when it comes right. We'll just go quietly, there's no plan at all; it's great for Mrs Davies [owner] as it's her hundredth winner and it's lovely to do it here, it's fantastic."
Wedge added: "He's a horse who doesn't show us a whole lot at home but the twice we've gone to the track he couldn't show us anymore, it's brilliant.
"We had a plan to stick to the inside and I thought I'm not going to go and chase everyone else; I'm going to stick to my own thing, and it's worked out well today. They've quickened and we've quickened, and I've almost hit the front going to the last and he's pricked his ears on me and then I've had to ask him again and he's gone again, so he's a lovely horse.
"He's very exciting for us now, it's fantastic to have a horse like that."
