SANDOWN - TOLWORTH

HURDLE (GRADE 1)

GLOUCESTERSHIRE trainer Tom George, very close to landing some big prizes lately, received gained a deserved Grade 1 win when 8/1 chance Summerville Boy ran out a most convincing winner of the 32Red Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

The market proved misleading with Western Ryder made 7/4 favourite, having had Summerville Boy back in third at Cheltenham. However there was no great pace that day and he disappointed here, dropping right out in fourth after a brief flurry three from home. Noel Fehily was patient on the winner, who came from the rear to challenge at the penultimate flight after Paul Nicholls’ Mont Des Avaloir had led at a strong pace in the testing ground. Once in front, Summerville Boy kept on strongly to beat Kalashnikov by four lengths, with Mont Des Avaloirs well held in third. Warren Greatrex’s representative blamed the ground for the favourite’s moderate effort.

“We went a more even gallop today and he settled better,” Fehily said. “He’ll certainly stay further than two miles, he’s a big baby and he’ll definitely be better next year.”

If that turns out to be the case, there is no need to rush Summerville Boy this season but he will surely be allowed to take his chance at Cheltenham. He is available at 20/1 for the Supreme Novice Hurdle.