First success for Rod’s Dream after overcoming career-threatening injury

Rod’s Dream made a flying start for his new yard to land a gamble with a first career success in the second division of the 2m handicap hurdle.

The eight-year-old, who overcame a career-threatening injury, powered to the line on his first start for trainer Victor Dartnall to record a three-quarter-length success.

He said: "The horse had a really bad field accident and owner Rod Millman’s daughter, Suzanne, nursed him through.

"He had a terrible cut on his hind leg, right to the bone, and the vet said he wouldn’t run again. Suzanne saved him. He was off the track for two years and she worked so hard with him."

Rod’s Dream, who was was having just his sixth run, had started between 50-1 and 150-1 the last four times, but bookmakers shortened him from 20-1 to 7-2 on course.

"I don’t pay much attention to that," Dartnall added. "This time of the year there are a few people who would have some money on, and then other people just follow.

"I knew he was much better than what he’d been touted. He’s a great big horse and takes a little bit of time. Alan [Johns, jockey] is such a natural horseman and helped him to settle."

Eglantine ends drought

Cheltenham Festival winner Eglantine Du Seuil won for the first time since her shock 50-1 victory in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle two years ago.

The seven-year-old won on her second start over fences in the 2m7f novice chase for trainer Paul Nicholls.

Results, replays and analysis

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