Royal Shakespeare (9-4) gained a deserved success in the Agfa Hurdle - but he was somewhat fortunate that German raider Fiepes Shuffle fell at the last when clear.

Philip Hobbs today expressed himself “delighted” with Rooster Booster after the gelding’s gutsy performance in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Connections of Geos have insisted that their hurdling star is ready to capitalise if reigning champion Istabraq has lost his touch.