Group 1 Flat performer Tashkhan makes winning start over hurdles as part of Brian Hughes treble

The Brian Ellison-trained Tashkhan, a high-class stayer on the Flat, made a winning start over hurdles in the 2m4f maiden event under Brian Hughes.

A four-time winner from 35 Flat starts, the seven-year-old earned more than £400,000 in prize-money and posted notable efforts when runner-up in the Long Distance Cup and third in the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp.

In a very different Northumberland setting, and back on his favoured heavy ground, Tashkhan sat in midfield before joining Cushendun on the run-in. Despite a mistake at the last, he battled back to edge past to win by half a length at odds of 9-4.

“It was a good learning experience for him,” said Ellison. “Brian gave him a great ride and he jumped well while being a bit excited. He travelled nicely and it’s good for him to win and get it out of the way."

On switching to hurdles, the trainer added: “He just never had his ground last year. He needs it heavy, so we thought we’d try him jumping. He’s had issues with his joints before but this year he’s been grand, so it was the time to do it.

“He’s done a fair bit of schooling and he’s always done it well, he’ll come on a lot for that.”

The win formed part of a Hughes treble, the jockey having won the 2m mares’ novice hurdle earlier on the Adrian Keatley-trained Azahara Palace.

He completed the treble in the 1m7½f handicap chase on Stick With Me Sam for Tom Gretton.

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