Darley Sun finishes third on his hurdles debut

Report: Market Rasen, Sunday
Calverts Carpets York Novices' Hurdle, 2m 5f, 4yo+

DARLEY SUN, winner of the 2009 Cesarewitch, could manage only third on his hurdles debut as the race went the way of market leader Timesishard.

The John Ferguson-trained seven-year-old was nibbled at in the market and sent off 11-4 but he could get no closer than the two and a quarter lengths he was beaten after fluffing the final hurdle.

Bar that, and a slight mistake at the sixth, Darley Sun put in a good rounding of jumping but would have been unsuited by the steady gallop they went for much of the 2m 5f contest.

Denis O'Regan had Darley Sun travelling well within himself as they straightened up, sat hot on the heels of Timesishard in fourth position.

Jumping two out it looked like he was going to ease into contention but his last flight blunder saw him outpaced before rallying again when it was all over.

Timesishard, the 2-1 favourite came home half a length in front of Fiddlers Bid.

Graeme McPherson, trainer of the winner, said: "He had a couple of runs in point-to-points over in Ireland and as soon as we get him over fences we'll have some fun with him."