Racing: Le Duc makes fine start with debut chase win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Le Duc, one of last season's top juvenile hurdlers, gave an almost flawless display of jumping when making a successful debut over fences here yesterday. The Paul Nicholls-trained four-year-old, ridden by Joe Tizzard, hardly put a foot wrong, which bodes well for his long-term objective, the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.
Owner Andy Stewart said: "He jumped well, which was the main thing, but it will be a different matter when he is up against the likes of Puntal and Thisthatandtother.
"He is a horse who would appreciate a very fast pace where he can travel very smoothly, and this race was never going to suit him ideally. But I'm very pleased and we will have to look at stepping him up in grade now." On his final start last season Le Duc beat Triumph Hurdle winner Spectroscope by a head at Aintree, but Nicholls has always said he was keen to see the French-bred gelding go chasing.
* It Takes Time and Poliantas are 6-1 joint-favourites with the sponsors for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on 15 November. Martin Pipe has seven of the 51 entries this season, including It Takes Time and Cyfor Malta, the winner in 1998 and last season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments