Breeze-up purchase Knotty Ash blows the opposition away on hurdling debut

Not many breeze-up purchases make their debut at Lincolnshire's only track, never mind win there, but Knotty Ash broke the mould when landing the 2m½f juvenile hurdle.

The son of Most Improved, who cost £45,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland breeze-up when it was staged in Newmarket last July, impressed under Harry Skelton when mastering the more streetwise Family Time.

Held up early off a strong pace set by outsider Rakish Paddy, Knotty Ash came through to take command at the last and win going away, which is remarkable considering he is related to seven-furlong winners on the Flat.

Trainer Dan Skelton said: "We were going to run him in France in the spring but with Brexit and the Covid-19 situation we decided to stay home. He did that nicely and I think he appreciated the bit of rain. He could come back here for another one of these but it would need to rain; if not, we'll keep him for the autumn."

Family sharing

Peter Bowen celebrated a double, which kicked off when bottomweight Lord Bryan made all in the Summer Plate Trial Handicap Chase.

That winner was ridden by Sean Bowen and it was the turn of brother James 35 minutes later when stablemate Staple Head battled home in the 2m3f novice handicap chase.

Gamble landed

Lady Babs left it late to land a gamble in the mares' handicap hurdle in which she was sent off 9-4 favourite after being available at 9-2 in the morning.

Andrew Crook's mare looked booked for third behind longtime leader Fancy Shapes until finishing fast to put her head in front where it mattered.

Results, replays and analysis

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