Rooster cocks a snook at Champion rivals
Disappointingly, the Irish challenge was sunk without trace, with none of our four possibilites ever threatening to take a hand at the business end.
The much vaunted Rhinestone Cowboy went off market leader, but the doubts about him had surfaced after the first race, the Surpreme Novices’ Hurdle.
He easily beat Thisthatandtother at Wincanton previously, but when that horse made no show in the novice event, the writing was already on the wall.
Rhinestone Cowboy hit the second flight, was always fighting a losing battle after, although, to his credit, he did plug on to grab third spot.
But the reality is that this was a one-horse race from a long way out.
Like-A-Butterfly, who performed way below expectations, led briefly, before Intersky Falcon took over well before the second.
Intersky Falcon continued to lead, until Johnston took him out of his misery when allowing Rooster Booster to cruise past off the home turn.
From there the only question was the margin of victory, as Rooster Booster surged away to beat 33-1 shot Westender.
Paddy Power quickly made Rooster Booster and Back In Front 8-1 joint favourites for next year’s Champion Hurdle, followed by Rhinestone Cowboy on 12-1.
William Hill, however, installed Rooster Booster as clear favourite, at 5-1, and offered Back In Front at 7’s.
Commented Hobbs of Rooster Booster: "I suppose when he won the Bula Hurdle he had to come here. The statistics were terrible for Bula winners in this race, but statistics are there to be broken.
"I was very surprised at how easily he won. I suppose it slightly fell apart because Rhinestone Cowboy didn’t seem to run his race.
"We will probably be favourite for next year now, but I think Sea Pigeon won the race as a 10-year-old.
"I’ve never had a runner in the Champion Hurdle until today. I appreciate these things for a long time afterwards, rather than on the day.
"I always believe that having plenty of winners is important, but the big ones are the icing on the cake.”
Johnson said: "I was hoping the race would work out for him, with so many runners and it did.
"There was so much daylight, as in the Bula, and his jumping was very good. I was worried about Intersky Falcon, but also didn’t want to hit the front too soon.
"He’s obviously a very good horse and as good as anything around at the moment!”
Martin Pipe was thrilled with Westender. "That was a brilliant run”, he exclaimed.
"He ran on through the field and has run the race of his life.
"Rodi (Greene, jockey) gave him a great ride. It was a terrific effort from Westender, especially on this ground, as it was only his seocnd race of the season and he has been held up.”
Jonjo O’Neill said of Rhinestone Cowboy: "Rooster Booster was a great winner and all credit to him. My fellow has run well, I am thrilled to bits.
"While he made a couple of novicey mistakes, don’t forget he’s a nice horse.”
Said Charlie Swan of Like-A-Butterfly: "She travelled okay, but was gone before the top of the hill.”
Tony McCoy, who rode Copeland, a faller three out, gave up the rest of his rides, having felt dehydrated.
