'If they'd started where they were supposed to he'd have won' - James Owen still smarting from East India Dock Triumph defeat

James Owen believes East India Dock would have won the Triumph Hurdle if the race had not been extended by the starter letting them go early, but hopes compensation can come in a lucrative Flat campaign starting with the Chester Cup.

False starts were a massive issue over the first three days of the Cheltenham Festival and, while the opening race on the final day started cleanly, the field were let go early and had been galloping for more than five seconds before they passed the start line – a factor Owen believes cost East India Dock the race as five seconds from the finish line his horse's head was in front.

The 5-4 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle will not bid for compensation in either of the final two Grade 1s of his juvenile campaign at Aintree and Punchestown, with connections instead keen to take advantage of an attractive Flat mark.