King masterplan for Halcon reaps handsome dividend

ALAN KING’S masterplan came off and Wayne Hutchinson enjoyed the finest moment of his career as Halcon Genelardais ran out a convincing winner of the Coral Welsh National yesterday.

Ante-post favourite for the Chepstow marathon since the markets opened following his fine staying efforts last season, not to mention a victorious pipe-opener over hurdles, the six-year-old had fewer friends on the day and was sent off at 7-1 joint third-favourite.

Naunton Brook took over from habitual leader One Knight on the final circuit and kept the gallop up into the home straight as the eventual winner cut through from mid-division.