Hasty success

Hasty Prince confirmed himself a classy performer when taking the opening Light Infantry Plate Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster today.

Jockey Liam Cooper was laughing at his rivals most of the way up the home straight as he eased Jonjo O’Neill’s five-year-old into the lead two out and came clear for a bloodless six-length victory.

Balladeer, his only serious rival in the betting market, stayed on to take second from Downpour but was no match for the winner.

The 11-10 favourite showed no ill-effects from an unlucky run last time at Newbury when he was brought down.

“That was great – especially after his last outing. He’s done really well today and not flagged at all,” said Hazel Sobey, representing owners FF Racing Services.

“Liam said his jumping was a bit scratchy early on but improved as the race went on.”

The son of Halling, formerly a good flat handicapper with Ben Hanbury, is not entered at Cheltenham but trips to Aintree and Punchestown are on the agenda, she added.