Moon eclipses Mussleburgh rivals

Expensive purchase Purple Moon duly landed the odds on his hurdling debut at Musselburgh.

The four-year-old, the most expensive Flat horse ever to go jumping at 440,000 guineas, ran away from 40-1 outsider Make A Mark in the last half-furlong to take the Tom McConnell / Country Refreshments Novices’ Hurdle by three lengths.

The former Michael Stoute-trained gelding, a son of 2001 Derby winner Galileo, was settled in midfield by Tony Dobbin for the first half of the two-mile contest before making his move as the 12-strong field turned for home.

It was then Purple Moon, the 4-6 favourite, was asked for his effort and joined leader Make A Mark at the penultimate flight.

There was little between the pair at the last but Purple Moon’s superior speed won the day.

However, Nicky Richards’ charge did not totally convince VC Bet, who kept him unchanged at 33-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, while he was trimmed from 33-1 to 25s with William Hill.

BetDirect also cut Purple Moon, going 20-1 from 25s.

Charlie McCann, BetDirect head of PR, said: “Nicky Richards looks sure to up the son of Galileo in class next time and we will know more in tie.

“But his jumping improved as the race progressed and his owner at least recouped £2602 of his purchase price!”