Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

DESPITE not showing the brilliance that his Cheltenham Festival success hinted at, King Rasko Grey demonstrated the necessary grittiness to deny a spirited late challenge from British raider Lord Byron in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle - wrapping up his season with consecutive Grade 1 wins.

Paul Townend was critical of his own riding of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle winner, who was sent off the 8/13 favourite to emulate fellow Cheltenham winners like State Man, Impaire Et Passe and Ballyburn to do the double here.

After seeing off a persistent challenge from stablemate Kiely’s Place approaching the last, he had one final threat to deal with in the shape of the visiting four-year-old, trained by Faye Bramley.

Lord Byron, the 7/1 shot (from an opening price of 40/1 after declarations) who started his career in Ballydoyle, rattled home but it was a case of too little too late for Harry Cobden. Willie Mullins secured his sixth straight win in the race by a head, with Kiely’s Place, Saint Baco and You Proof filling the remainder of the first five places home.

“If I got beaten, I’d have been kicking myself,” Townend said.

“I’d have been happier if Harry had come at me earlier; I was in front and lonely enough in front. When the horse came to him, I felt him pick up again, but if I’d have been nabbed on the line I’d have been kicking myself.

“The engine is definitely in there with this horse; I think he’s just immature and takes it in. He’s a talented horse.”

Connections will now face a dilemma with Greg and Audrey Turley’s six-year-old regarding whether chasing or hurdling will be his pathway next season.

“I think he’s got a big future,” said Townend. “I don’t know if he’ll ever be a flashy horse to come down the straight on his own, but we had one of them before who won a lot of races.

“I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the size he is; he needs to mature physically and mentally - and he will. He rides well over a hurdle but you’re never making too much ground. He jumped well today. It’s not my decision - we’ll see what Willie does - but I’d love to face down to a bigger obstacle on him.”

Beaten reaction

Faye Bramley, trainer of Lord Byron (second)

“I’m still shaking after that! In another 20 yards he’d probably have won. We’re so excited about this horse. He’s the toughest horse in the yard, we love him. This is his third festival to run at and he’s still so fresh. He’s so tough.”