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Paul Nicholls’ runner lifts Grade Two prize
Hot favourite Quel Destin came out on top in a thrilling finish to the bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle at Doncaster.
After making a promising British debut when second at Chepstow in October, the Paul Nicholls-trained youngster bolted up at Kempton before following up in a Grade Two at Cheltenham last month.
He was the 8-11 favourite to claim another Grade Two prize on Town Moor and complete his hat-trick, but odds-on backers were made to sweat.
Quel Destin was renewing rivalry with Cheltenham runner-up Cracker Factory, but it was in fact the latter’s stablemate Elysees – a winner at Warwick and Ludlow last month – who emerged as the main threat.
Elysees remained in a narrow lead after jumping the final flight, but Quel Destin eventually wore him down to secure victory by a neck in the hands of Harry Cobden.
Cracker Factory passed the post a disappointing last of five runners.
Megan Nicholls, the trainer’s daughter, said: “He’s a tough little horse, hugely improved. There’s more to come, I think.
“Harry said he’d prefer slightly softer ground, but he’s so tough and he wants to win. He stuck his head right out to the line.
“I imagine the Triumph will be the long-term target. He’s won well at Cheltenham before, the track suits him and hopefully the ground will be softer.”
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