THE novice hurdle on Kempton’s King George card is invariably a strong contest. It certainly was this year.

The early pace set by Arzal (33) was rather too strong. He reached the fourth 1.25 seconds before they did in the Christmas Hurdle. He was clearly in trouble turning in and soon headed but kept on surprisingly well given his earlier exertions to take third.

Arzal ran second in a couple of chases in France, one over two and a half miles. His sire won the mile and seven furlong Prix Chaudenay on the flat and his two best siblings won chases over two miles and five furlongs and two miles and six furlongs. It’s not that surprising he showed such stamina here.

I’m sure Arzal can improve on this run and win over longer distances if ridden with more restraint.

The big, strong Jollyallan (37) was very happy to take a lead from the tearaway Arzal and came through to lead in the straight.

He looked likely to hold the challenge of the runner-up when the pair both made jumping errors at the last. Jollyallan’s error was less serious and he kept on well to win. He’s now won four from five and is clearly going to be competitive in top novice races.

Sempre Medici (35) was moving almost as well as the winner up the straight and looked a threat as he was switched running up to the last.

Unfortunately he jumped that one poorly and his back end gave way briefly, and he dragged his back end sliding through the ground until righting himself. The winner had flown but he kept on for second. He should improve a fair bit on this.