'Aintree went to his head' - Western Zephyr bounces back with emphatic success

Monday: Ludlow

Plenty of eyes were drawn to the hurdling debut of 102-rated Flat performer Brentford Hope in the opening 2m maiden, but it was Western Zephyr who delivered a taking performance instead.

The five-year-old made the perfect start to his career with trainer Charlie Longsdon by winning a Huntingdon bumper in January, but finished down the field in a Grade 2 at the Aintree festival when not looking an easy ride.

Having won by 25 lengths in his only point start, Western Zephyr was a well-fancied favourite for his debut over hurdles and duly stretched clear under Sean Bowen to record a six-length victory with Brentford Hope filling the runner-up spot.

"He made a good start to his career in bumpers and I was delighted with how well his first start over hurdles went," Longsdon said.

"I wasn't sure we'd have the speed to beat the decent Flat horse in the race, Brentford Hope, but Sean wound it up early and made sure that it wasn't a sprint.

"He looked like he quickened up nicely and that was a really good start."

Western Zephyr will likely take in another novice under a penalty with Longsdon adding: "He's very quirky and isn't the most straightforward horse and Aintree went massively to his head, so we'll keep it low key for the time being until he grows up some more."

Bounce back

The feature 2m handicap chase cut up due to heavy rain, leaving just three runners, and it was the Venetia Williams-trained Desque De L'Isle who bounced back from a disappointing reappearance to record a 17-length victory under Shane Quinlan.

The pair doubled up on the day as Paseo was an easy winner of the 3m novice handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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