Activial (pictured, right) was one of the big market
movers for the Cheltenham
Festival following his victory in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle
on Saturday.
His price was cut in half for the
Triumph Hurdle which takes place on day four of the meeting next
month.
The former French
recruit has only had two outings in the UK since moving to Harry
Fry’s yard and his success in the Grade Two at Kempton
was his first victory on British ground.
Noel Fehily opted to be patient on his
mount in the early stages of the 2m contest. Once the pair reached
the second last hurdle though, they hit the front and were able to
quicken away from the field. They eventually crossed the line over
three lengths ahead of Commissioned who came home second, while Solar
Impulse finished third.
The novice could offer Fry his best
chance of training a winning at the meeting next month.
Activial’s victory also boosted the
form of ante-post favourite Calipto for the Triumph Hurdle as he beat
Fry’s runner back in November at Newbury.
John Fergusson’s Commissioned will
not feature at the Festival as his trainer is eyeing a shot at one of
the races at the Grand National Meeting instead. His chances were not
helped in the run in at Kempton as he hung left. He will now be given
a rest until April.
Third placed Solar Impulse is expected
to run in the Fred Winter next month after Paul Nicholls was pleased
with his effort. That was also only his second run in the UK. He
improved on his debut fourth at Chepstow and connections are hoping
there will be more to come from their horse with extra experience.