ASCOT

LIL ROCKERFELLER, one of the most popular jumps horses in training and always a force at Ascot, delighted his supporters by running out a worthy winner of the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle at his favourite track on Saturday.

His victory also saw the end of champion juvenile Defi Du Seuil’s winning streak – an eight-race sequence stretching back to his sole defeat in a French bumper.

Stepping up in trip to nearly two and half miles, he never looked entirely happy and finished fourth of five. It is only fair to point out that his trainer Philip Hobbs’ horses have yet to really catch form this term.

Lil Rockerfeller (well-backed into 9/4) raced just behind the leaders as Wakea took them along at a modest gallop but was pushed into the lead by Trevor Whelan just before the penultimate flight. The runners fanned out and he had to repel L’Ami Serge on the run-in but determination has never been a problem and he had a length and a half to spare at the line.

Winning trainer Neil King was understandably elated.

“He’s been such a great servant,” he said. “We were second in this last year and this time I thought we could run very well and come third but he loves an uphill finish and his record here (two wins, two seconds and a third from five outings) is excellent.”

Lil Rockerfeller will be back for the Long Walk Hurdle, where L’Ami Serge, winner of a Grade 1 at Auteuil in June, will almost certainly reoppose.

“I was delighted with him. Nico de Boinville thought he’d win at the last but then the lack of a run told,” said Nicky Henderson.

Triumph Hurdle winner Defi Du Seuil flattered turning for home before finding little and Barry Geraghty eased him down. Hobbs made no excuses and admitted to being very disappointed.