Celestial Halo slips up on chasing debut

FORMER Champion Hurdle runner-up Celestial Halo was denied the perfect start to his career over fences as he fell four from home in a dramatic conclusion to the Best Mate Beginners’ Chase at Exeter yesterday.

Celestial Halo was galloping comfortably alongside Rougham but judged the first in the home straight incorrectly and came down, while there was another immediate twist when Rougham fell independently at the same obstacle.

It is a race Paul Nicholls had a formidable record in, and he is one of many trainers to feel the Haldon circuit is an inviting one to introduce horses to the discipline.