'Up there with the best I've trained' - Nick Alexander sweet on exciting hurdler

Thursday: Newcastle

Trainer Nick Alexander is among the more measured members of his profession, but even he could not help being excited by Donny Boy, hailing the 4-9 shot as potentially one of the best he has had following his win in division one of the maiden hurdle.

"I don't think I've had one win a bumper and first hurdle as well as that, the sky's the limit," said Alexander, happy to mention the five-year-old alongside Grade 2-winning chaser Lake View Lad and Elvis Mail, who was rated 146 last season.

"Lake View Lad is the best I've trained and Elvis Mail is probably the second best, and he's got to be right up there with them. I'd be disappointed if he wasn't able to operate at that level."

Alexander has no immediate fancy plans for Donny Boy, whom he sees as a future chaser.

"I was thrilled with him today and he needed to go and win like that to back up his bumper and point-to-point form and he did, so we couldn't ask for more," he added.

"He's a really exciting young horse."

Fergus Gregory rides out his claim on Lupus RegemCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Gregory milestone

Fergus Gregory rode out his claim when guiding Lupus Regem to victory in the second division of the maiden hurdle.

Former rider Charlie Poste, Gregory's jockey coach, said: "I'm hugely proud and he's a very talented rider, but even more than that he's an impressive young man.

"He's had some bad luck with injuries but is on a roll now and, fingers crossed, this is just the start."

Results, replays and analysis

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