Filibustering wastes no time in hitting hurdles mark

Harry Derham is confident Filibustering will go on to bigger and better things after making an impressive start to his jumping career at Kelso.

A useful performer on the Flat for Tim Easterby before changing hands for 68,000 guineas in the autumn, the four-year-old was a heavily backed 1-2 favourite on his first start for new connections in the bet365 Juvenile Hurdle.

Those who got involved at cramped odds will have had few concerns, with Filibustering jumping with fluency on the front end under Paul O’Brien and drawing 11 lengths clear of his rivals on the run-in.

“To be honest, that was what we were expecting,” said Derham.

“He’s hurdled very well at home and he’s another juvenile well bought by my cousin Megan (Nicholls), so well done her.”

Considering future plans, the trainer added: “I’m going to see what happens at Cheltenham, see whether the Irish horses are better or the English horses are better and I wouldn’t mind having another run somewhere before we step up in grade really.

“I know it’s the wrong end of the year, but I’m thinking about better races for him. He’s a smart little horse.”

Bargain basement buy Bold Light continued his profitable campaign with a determined victory in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle.

The Lucinda Russell-trained gelding was snapped up for just £1,000 at the Goffs UK Sale in December 2021 and following a lengthy absence has since developed into a useful performer, with his most recent victory achieved at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.

With conditional jockey Jack Power in the plate, Bold Light was a 17-2 shot to strike gold once more in Scotland and stuck to his guns to see off the sustained challenge of Mr Bramley by a neck.

Owner James Scott said: “He was bought for £35,000 a few years ago and they realised he had a hole in his tendon, so we bought him for £1,000 a few months later.

“We put him in a field for three years, he’s come back and I think he’s won us about £40,000 this season – it’s unbelievable.

“I can’t even describe what he means to us. He’s not a big horse, but his heart’s massive.”

Russell, who also won the Premier Novices’ Hurdle with Jet To Vegas, completed a treble as Walk On Quest (11-4) won the closing bet365 Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Gallic Geordie looks set to head into retirement after landing the bet365 Handicap Chase.

Sam Drinkwater’s charge was a 17-2 chance in the hands of 7lb claimer Benjamin Macey and finished off strongly to score by a length and three-quarters from Netywell.

“He was a good and brave and I secretly fancied him today. Everyone else thought I was mad, but he dropped 2lb after his last run at Doncaster (finished third) and that’s what made the difference,” said Drinkwater.

“The kid (Macey) is very good. He’s only ridden for me once before on Spike Jones in a good race at Windsor, I was very impressed with him that day and that’s why he’s on today.

“I’d retire him (Gallic Geordie) now and I think that was Mark’s (Glastonbury, owner) thoughts as well. He’s 12 years old now, he’s won seven times and owes us nothing. I’d love to just look at him in the paddock now.”