BETWAY TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE 1)

THERE were emotional scenes after the Top Novices’ Hurdle, victory going to 14/1 shot Lalor, who was trained by Richard Woollacott until the trainer’s sad passing a few months ago. His widow Kayley, who took over the licence, was in tears as champion jockey Richard Johnson steered him into the winner’s enclosure.

The weather did short-priced ante-post favourite Global Citizen no favours at all and he drifted out to 5/2 before pulling too hard.

Henry de Bomhead’s Ornua led early from Impact Factor, with the gambled-on Vision Des Flos niggled along to hold his pitch.

Lalor went on soon after three out, with Bedrock launching his challenge on the outside. Johnson always had matters under control, however, and sent Lalor clear as Vision Des Flos belatedly kept on to deny Bedrock second place.

“It’s hard to put into words what it means,” the jockey said. “I hadn’t actually sat on him since winning last year’s bumper on him here. He was the Woollacotts’ first big winner and Richard’s death came as an amazing shock to everyone. He’s a big horse, he stays well and hopefully he can go on from this.”

Lalor had a wind operation several months ago but made little show in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Probably well suited by a rest afterwards, he was a revelation here on a day his trainer – understandably overcome – will never forget.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I think we had some help from up above but we always loved this horse. He’ll jump fences and make a chaser one day.”