Koktail Brut sparkles in Royal Bond thriller

Gordon Elliott’s Koktail Brut had most of his rival in trouble from the home turn

Koktail Brut ridden by Jack Kennedy (left) on their way to winning the BAR 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath, Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Hot favourite Koktail Brut got the better of a nip-and-tuck battle with Blake to win a thrilling renewal of the Bar 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

Having kept good company in bumpers last season, Koktail Brut made a successful start to his career over hurdles at Punchestown two and a half weeks ago and he was an 8-13 favourite to follow up in a Grade Two that has been won by the likes of Istabraq (1996), Moscow Flyer (1999), Hurricane Fly (2008) and Envoi Allen (2019).