Chivalry ready for hurdling bow

Tote Cambridgeshire winner Chivalry is under orders to become the first runner from owner Graham Wylie’s spending spree at the Newmarket horses in training sale.

The four-year-old is set to make his debut over jumps in the Ayrshire Introductory Novices’ Hurdle at Ayr.

At 170,000 guineas Chivalry was one of the most expensive purchases by Crook trainer Howard Johnson on behalf of Wylie when bought out of Sir Mark Prescott’s stable.

Johnson also bought Inglis Drever for 110,000 guineas at Newmarket, while Wylie has also acquired the useful stayer Flownaway in a private deal and he also purchased Royal Rosa for a record 340,000 guineas at the Doncaster Spring Sales.

Johnson, who has both Chivalry and Inglis Drever entered in the same race, told the Racing Post: “Both of them have taken to jumping like ducks to water at home and Chivalry will be my runner on Saturday.

“He’s come off the Flat and will like the ground but if for any reason either horse doesn’t take to it on the track they can go back and run on the Flat next year.”

The Ayr contest has attracted a number of interesting entries including Lingo, smart performer on the Flat for Thirsk trainer Lynda Ramsden. The four-year-old could make his jumps debut for trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

Another possible for the same contest is the 2002 John Smith’s Cup winner Vintage Premium, but he needs rain in order to get the green light to run.

His trainer Richard Fahey warned: “He’s certainly not a natural and we’re experimenting to a degree but he became a bit fed-up on the Flat and it might serve to rejuvenate him.”