746-day absence no problem for unbeaten Doddiethegreat as charity star impresses on return at Ascot

Connections of Doddiethegreat are hoping to make up for lost time after he was brought back from the brink to win on his first start in two years.

The seven-year-old extended his unbeaten record to four when landing the 1m7½f introductory hurdle from 40-1 shot Junkanoo. It was his first start since suffering a serious tendon injury when winning by 22 lengths on his hurdles debut at Kempton in November 2021, 746 days ago. 

He runs in the Honeysuckle colours of owner and breeder Kenny Alexander, who has pledged to donate all prize-money won to the foundation of the horse's namesake Doddie Weir, the former Scottish rugby international who died aged 52 last November after suffering with motor neurone disease.

"It was a horrible injury at Kempton when he won his only hurdle race – he severed a tendon," said trainer Nicky Henderson. "This has been on the horizon since the spring because of its conditions. It's satisfying for everyone and he runs for the Doddie Weir foundation, which is terrific. 

"Kenny 'Honeysuckle' Alexander is a great character and I can tell you where he's being aimed because I got a text from him last night. We're preparing him for the Scottish Champion Hurdle."

Your Darling strikes again

Ben Pauling described Your Darling as one of the most talented but frustrating horses he has trained after he won the 2m5f handicap chase.

Your Darling, who lost his three previous starts, recorded back-to-back successes in the £35,000 contest when stretching nine lengths clear.

Your Darling: secured back-to-back successes in the 2m5f handicapCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He's the most frustrating horse I'll ever train – if only he turned up every time," said Pauling. "He's probably one of the most talented horses I've trained for a long time and he's electric when he wants to do it. 

"When he got in deep to one there, he still landed 15 yards out the other side of it but when he's not on a going day, he flops through it. It's quite clear his rating doesn't overly matter, it's whether he wants to do it or not. We'll put him away now and go straight to the Topham Chase."

Off the mark

Beat The Bat was made to work hard for his breakthrough hurdles success before narrowly denying Welcom To Cartries in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

The five-year-old was second on his first start this season and looked as though he could miss out again, but stayed on gamely to win by a head.

"I was unusually calm after the last," said trainer Harry Fry. "They were two lovely horses pulling a long way clear. He'll have learned a lot today.

"I love the way he came alive turning in and then really knuckled down to beat another nice prospect. It will be interesting to see where we go next."

Fry and jockey Jonathan Burke recorded a double when the favourite Gin Coco denied Cheltenham Festival winner Faivoir in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle.

"Better ground is key, which is why we took him out of the Greatwood," added Fry. "It's good to get his head in front and give him some confidence.

"He's run in a lot of good races and hopefully we can raise his sights again, but conditions will determine where we go."

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