Elite Hurdle Result: Zarkandar wins on return

A winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 2011 and Betfair Hurdle in 2012, Zarkandar defied top weight on his return to the track to win the Elite Hurdle...

Despite giving his rival 17lb, Zarkandar cruised up to join Prospect Wells still on the bridle two flights from home, and buckled down on the run-in to narrowly prevail in a pulsating dual. It was seven lengths back to Balder Succes in third.

Nicholls, trainer of the first two home, said: "He's done well, real well, and I never had him looking as good as this for the whole of last season. For him he looks big and well, and in the last fortnight he's just suddenly picked up. Ruby thought the 17lb would swing it and I told the owners that win, lose or draw he would come on for the run.

"Zarkandar will now go for the Bula (International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December) )and we're right back where we want to be with him. The Bula is the race we've been training him for. Then we'll look to bring him back here for the Kingwell in the new year. Prospect Wells is a rattling good handicapper and will win a nice race. Today there hardly deserved to be a loser.

"Prospect Wells lost nothing in defeat, I always hate beating a stablemate but he will win a nice race. Both have run well and I am chuffed for both of them."

In the following race, The Package, trained by David Pipe, won the Badger Ales Trophy under Timmy Murphy.

The Package had to fight off the late challenge of Michel Le Bon, but always looked like he had enough in reserve. West End Rocker finished in third.

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!