GIDLEIGH PARK MAINTAINS UNBEATEN RUN

Gidleigh Park maintained his unbeaten record with a determined success in the Grade 2 Classic Novice Hurdle in the colours of the Eyre family on Saturday 27 January at Cheltenham on Trials Day.

It’s fair to say the race wasn’t run to suit him because it became tactical with a muddling pace which saw him doing a bit more in front than ideal. But after being headed by Lucky Place going to the final flight he showed a great attitude as he rallied to seal the victory.

It was the first time he has had to battle and he will have learned plenty from the experience.
All roads for Gidleigh Park now lead back to Cheltenham while we decide whether he goes for the Baring Bingham Hurdle or step him up in trip in the Albert Bartlett. It is a nice dilemma to have and there is no rush to make up our minds. He is a big horse whose future is over further and fences.

Just over half an hour earlier Love Envoi showed all her old sparkle in finishing second to the odds on favourite Lossiemouth in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle.

It was an encouraging step improvement from her seasonal debut at Sandown where she was probably just in need of the run on her return from injury.

Love Envoi travelled and jumped with her usual zest at Cheltenham and showed she had come forward plenty by staying on stoutly to chase home the impressive winner.

We know she wants further and softer ground and we look forward to taking her back to Cheltenham in six weeks time in the hope that she can go one better in the Mares Hurdle.