Knight to shine in National
Philip Hobbs’ nine-year-old has attracted a lot of support in recent weeks despite the fact he has not raced since taking the Rehearsal Chase at this track last year.
He made all to beat L’Aventure by just over a length to secure a fifth chasing success but he is a horse that has not had the best of luck.
After a useful hurdling career, One Knight looked one to follow when winning the 2003 Royal & SunAlliance Chase but a fall in the Hennessy later that year resulted in a chipped hock and a long spell on the sidelines.
He returned from that 13-month lay-off with a victory at this track but he then suffered another setback which has seen him out of action until now.
Hobbs reports him to be back in the pink now and he must deserve every consideration.
Earlier in the day, the totesport Long Walk Hurdle over three miles looks at the mercy of Inglis Drever.
A smart sort on the Flat when trained by Sir Mark Prescott, Inglis Drever has proved a revelation in staying hurdles.
Howard Johnson made the most of his novice campaign but he really showed his mettle last season, notching up a hat-trick culminating in victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Festival.
This season he has looked better than ever, landing back-to-back victories at Wetherby and Newbury in Grade Two events, once again getting the better of Baracouda over three miles last time. Likely to start a very warm favourite for this contest, he will be hard to beat.
