Pearl proves to be a real gem after wide-margin success

Fifty lengths, and in a handicap too. That was the margin of victory by Pearl Royale, who trotted up in the 2m4½f novice hurdle on her first run in handicap company.

It wasn't as though she had been hiding her light under a bushel either as she had been placed in two bumpers and in both her runs over hurdles. But as the opposition fell away, she powered clear under Sean Bowen to win as she liked, continuing the good form of trainer Nigel Hawke.