The New One nears £1m mark with brave return to action

The New One edged closer to earning £1m in prize-money after getting the better of a sustained duel with main market rival Clyne from the second last flight in the Welsh Champion Hurdle to notch his 19th career victory.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’s stable star was partnered by amateur rider Zac Baker for the first time but showed all of his customary zest as he led his rivals a merry dance before seeing off the challenge of the runner-up by three-quarters-of-a-length.

The trainer joked: “We always said he would win a Champion Hurdle with him but we didn't say which one! We haven't done anything special with him at home but he has still done what The New One does and that is run his race.