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EPATANTE proved herself a mare out of the very top drawer with a hugely impressive display in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle.
The JP McManus-owned five-year-old disappointed when hot favourite for the mares’ novices’ hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, but dominated her rivals on her seasonal reappearance at Newbury last month, earning her this sharp rise in class.
?? Oh she's very good!
?? Epatante scampers clear to land the G1 Christmas Hurdle for @sevenbarrows & @BarryJGeraghty in impression fashion
?? Four wins from five starts in Britain, she looks a serious Champion Hurdle contender at the @CheltenhamRaces Festival in March pic.twitter.com/muKPApueRI— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2019
Trainer Nicky Henderson fielded three runners in all as he went in search of a record ninth victory in the race, with 2/1 joint-favourites Epatante and Fusil Raffles joined by the defending champion Verdana Blue.
While Fusil Raffles was a spent force before the home turn, Barry Geraghty was still pulling double aboard Epatante and she shot clear once given her head to seal a five-length success.
Silver Streak was second, Ballyandy was third and Verdana Blue finished fourth.
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