NICKY Henderson holds a very strong hand in the top hurdle races and Brain Power underlined the point in the Grade 2 Unibet International Hurdle, winning at 7/1.

Very patchy over fences, Brain Power reverted to the smaller obstacles and soon showed that he still has the speed to be competitive. Fourth for much of the way, he went on turning for home and was always holding Silver Streak, who was snatched up on the bend early on but had every chance in the straight.

Western Ryder kept on steadily in third but Supreme Novices’ winner Summerville Boy did not improve on his run in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and was last of the seven to finish. The New One, three times successful in this, was pulled up before the last and promptly retired by Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Henderson decided to wait another week with Call Me Lord but saddled We Have A Dream, who finished fourth. They are all overshadowed by brilliant stable-companion Buveur D’Air, but Brain Power may be aimed at the Irish Champion Hurdle.

“The decision to revert to hurdles with Brain Power was all down to owner Michael Buckley, so the credit should go to him,” said the champion trainer with a smile.

THE NEW ONE RETIRES

Many racegoers came out in the pouring rain to applaud The New One, who took a turn around the parade ring.

Twiston-Davies was damp-eyed when making his announcement, wondering where he could find another like him. The horse owes no one anything, having won exactly half of his 40 races, including the International three times as well as the Neptune Novices’ and the Aintree Hurdle at the highest level.

“When push came to shove, Sam said he didn’t have it in him any more,” Twiston-Davies senior said. “He was a great help in getting Sam started and is loving life. He’s not going anywhere and we’ll look after him.”

Sam Twiston-Davies, who singled out the Aintree Hurdle as The New One’s best performance, added: “He’s kept us together when stuff hasn’t been good and we’ve had some blazing arguments about him, as well!”