'He's a challenge' - freegoing Fortescue Wood strikes for Nick Alexander

Wednesday: Ayr

Fortescue Wood shrugged off an absence of 606 days to make a winning start over obstacles under Bruce Lynn in the 2m novice hurdle.

The Nick Alexander-trained seven-year-old beat Ahoy Senor in a bumper at this track but had not been seen since finishing last of four in a similar event in March 2021.

Despite jumping off in rear, Fortescue Wood swiftly pulled himself to the front and had enough class to see off his rivals by a length and a half.

“I just wanted him to run a nice race so to win was brilliant although I was a little alarmed by his running style,” said Alexander. “I really wanted him to settle which is the one thing he didn’t do.

“He won his bumper very well, beating a subsequent Grade 1 winner, and now he’s done that. After he won his bumper he ran far too free the next day and ran into a hole so that’s the worry if he were to do the same thing again. He’s a challenge!”

Green Vault: beat Clan Legend (purple) to complete a double for Derek Fox and Lucinda RussellCredit: John Grossick

Also making a promising seasonal reappearance was Alexander’s yard favourite Clan Legend, who chased home odds-on favourite Green Vault in the 3m handicap chase.

“He ran in that race last season and went on to win at Aintree at the beginning of December so all being well that would be the plan with him again,” added Alexander.

Green Vault’s success completed a double for Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell after Step Above made a winning rules debut in the 2m4½f maiden hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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