Hobbs charge strikes at Newbury

Or Bleu enjoyed plenty of luck to capture division one of the SFC Group.co.uk “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.

There were plenty of unfortunate incidents in behind but Richard Johnson avoided trouble at the head of affairs on the 2-1 favourite, who went on to beat the Rose Davidson-ridden Von Galen by a length and a half.

Winning trainer Philip Hobbs’ wife Sarah said: “I would say it was slightly lucky with our other horse falling at the second last, Ruby (Walsh) coming off and Rose dropping her reins.

“Richard said to keep him to about two miles and that he could have done with some company up front.”