Change of tack and headgear spurs Alborkan to first win over hurdles

Amy Murphy may have ruled her stable star Kalashnikov out until next season, but she still has plenty of ammunition for the rest of the term, including Alborkan, who won for the first time over jumps in the 2m novice hurdle.

Backed into 9-1 from 16-1 in the morning, the ex-Flat recruit showed the benefit of a first-time hood when coming late to beat some fancied rivals under Jack Quinlan.

Alborkan's previous outings over hurdles had not gone to plan, to say the least, but a change of equipment worked for the four-year-old, who is rated 77 on the Flat.

Murphy said: "We expected Alborkan to win like that first time over hurdles but he pulled like an absolute hooligan, and the fitting of a hood and changing his bit has made the difference.

"Jack put him to sleep lovely early doors and they've picked up nicely off a strong pace. Hopefully, he can follow up in a higher grade after that."

Murphy was at Cheltenham last month where her flagbearer Kalashnikov finished fourth in the Ryanair Chase, but he is not going to Aintree. She added: "Unfortunately, Kalashnikov has picked up a niggle, so he's finished for the year. Instead of Aintree, I'll be at Sedgefield, I think. We'll go anywhere for a winner!"

Champion Hurdle win

Paul Nicholls may have missed out on the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham this year, but did pick up the Sussex version when Diego Du Charmil defied top weight in stylish fashion.

The 11-8 favourite was given a smooth ride by Nicholls' 7lb claimer Angus Cheleda to pick off the front-running Brandon Castle approaching the home turn and had enough up his sleeve to repel the late charge of market rival Sebastopol.

Results, replays and analysis

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