Aviation flies to surprise win

Aviation overturned some well-touted rivals to spring a 28-1 shock in the opening race on Charlie Hall day at Wetherby.

Twist Magic was the hot favourite but the 11-10 shot was already beaten when he blundered his chance away three from home in the Constant Security Wensleydale Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle just as Aviation was produced with his effort.

Barry Keniry hit the front approaching the last on George Moore’s gelding and running on strongly he held off Dock Tower by a length to take the Listed contest.

Aviation was winning for the third time from four starts over hurdles since being claimed for £10,000 after scoring on the Flat at Haydock Park this summer.

The three-year-old ran disappointingly on his previous start and Moore said: “He blobbed last time – I don’t know why – but he did have a double penalty.

“We knew we had a chance but we were worried about Twist Magic and I think the ground was just soft enough for him.”

Paddy Power gave Aviation a quote of 50-1 for the Triumph Hurdle but Moore has no immediate plans for his charge.