1188 days off, no problem! Irandando Has defies mammoth layoff for Hales family and Sam Allwood

Irandando Has defied a mammoth 1,188-day layoff to make a successful British debut in the colours of the late John Hales in the 2m maiden hurdle.

The six-year-old son of No Risk At All finished second in a Listed three-year-old hurdle at Auteuil in 2022, but had spent more than three years off the track.

Irandando Has joined Shropshire trainer Sam Allwood in the summer, having been first trained in Britain by Paul Nicholls, and showed impressive battling qualities after the last to beat the 11-10 favourite Liam Mera Kai by a neck.

Toby Wynne’s mount was available at odds of 66-1 on the day but justified some support at big prices and returned a 25-1 shot. Allwood also trained the 125-1 third Sweeper System.

Allwood, who has 15 horses to run over jumps this season, said: “My wife Vicki does most of the transport for Lisa [Hales] and Irandando Has had struggled with injuries, so the family just wanted to give him one more chance at a smaller yard, and thankfully they chose us.

“It’s game-changing to have a horse of his ability. We’ll hopefully be looking at some nicer races in the future. He’s a three-mile chaser in the making but he’s won in spite of the ground being quicker and the trip being shorter than ideal.

“We’ll come up with a plan and see what the handicapper does, but we won’t be in a rush with him and will give him plenty of time.”

Course favourite

Ali Star Bert saves his best form for Southwell and gained a fifth course win for Shaun Harris under Jack Quinlan in the 3m½f handicap chase.

The nine-year-old backed up his recent course-and-distance success with a six-length success. The first three home were the 3-1 co-favourites.

Feature success

Last season's Pertemps Final fifth One Big Bang recorded his first win over fences in the feature 3m½f 'chasing excellence' beginners' chase, beating his sole rival Kamsinas by five lengths under Alex Chadwick.

Read more:

Why Cheltenham's unsatisfactory event showed things must change - key takeaways from our team on course this weekend 

Kempton's future now looks bleak - and could the Jockey Club stun the sport by mounting a bid to buy Arc? 

Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior sweep to Group 1 glory, but protester causes drama in Hong Kong Cup when running on to track 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.