'I had £1,000 each-way and now I need a hotel!' - owner's Persian War payday

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A breakdown in communication left some of the owners of Accidental Rebel without accommodation after racing, but with one confident member staking £1,000 each-way on their 10-1 winner, celebrations were planned and a late hotel booking was most certainly needed.

An upbeat bulletin from trainer Fergal O'Brien persuaded syndicate manager Noel Berrisford to stake his bet on their Persian War hope, who had arrived here following a brilliant summer campaign.

While his trainer had been vocal in his criticism of the summer programme only a few months ago, here it had worked completely in Accidental Rebel’s favour. With fitness on his side following three wins from four runs this season, he outbattled Outlaw Peter to capture the prestigious Grade 2 contest.

On a day in which the return of the core jumps season was celebrated, an outpour of pure enthusiasm suddenly emerged. Paddy Brennan punched the air as he passed the line, while members of an ecstatic syndicate cheered a remarkable victory from a Gigginstown cast off who cost them just £7,000 at the sales last September.

This one-and-a-half length success now takes Accidental Rebel's race winnings close to £46,000 and even more has come from the bookmakers.

"I've had a grand each-way but Karen [Forrester] here has had a bit more – she's quite shrewd," revealed Berrisford, who is based near Uttoxeter. "This horse has raced five times this season and won four of them, so that has put us a little bit in front but you've got to have a bit of a bet too.

"Karen was meant to sort the hotel but it was full up and we couldn't get anywhere. I'm sure we'll have to look again."

Poetic Rhythm went on to give O'Brien his first Grade 1 winner in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury after winning this in 2017, but Accidental Rebel will instead be given a break. Friday's target was described as his "Gold Cup" and the trainer hailed an inspired ride from Brennan.

"Paddy didn't look 41 out there today," O'Brien said. "I dread the day he gives up. It meant a lot to him. We've spoken over a long time and some days are hard but days like these you wouldn't want anyone else on your side. Coming down to the last it's not about strength or aggression – it's his racing guile and brain. He had a plan going out there and just executed it.

"The horse has been unbelievable. It's a different ball game over here, he was very highly tried in Ireland and would have to make the running in 20-runner fields which is hard. He came over here and got his confidence back."

Smart prospect

Jonjo O'Neill took a division 2m novice hurdle with the talented Soaring Glory two years ago and Friday's winner Collectors Item could similarly emerge as a leading name for the stable after an easy win.

The trainer said: "He did it nicely, he jumped and travelled well. I'd say he's a nice horse to look forward to. He ran well in a nice bumper at Newbury and it's worked out quite well so you never know."

Collectors Item bumped into the exciting Nigel Twiston-Davies runner Weveallbeencaught when a half-length second in that Newbury contest in March.

O'Neill was aware that rival had been subsequently hailed as a Gold Cup horse of the future and joked of his own prospect: "He can win the Gold Cup the following year.

"He'll be a chaser but we'll let him develop into himself. We'll stay nice and sensible and as long as he's enjoying it he can continue to improve," he added.

Double delight

Chris Gordon was successful with his two runners on the card. Press Your Luck ran out an easy winner of the 2m7½f novice chase before two-time bumper winner Presenting A Queen enjoyed a smooth success in the 2m3½f mares' novice hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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