Challow Hurdle Result: Taquin ploughs to Challow victory

Jonjo O'Neill: trainer of Taquin de Seuil

Taquin de Seuil justified favouritism to continue Jonjo O'Neill's excellent record in the Challow Hurdle.

Strong in the betting all day, Taquin de Seuil was always travelling strongly under Champion Jockey AP McCoy and looked all over the winner when taking over from long-time leader Ballybough Pat after three out. 

Once shaken up, it briefly looked as though Taquin de Seuil wasn't picking up for pressure, allowing the Paul Nicholls-trained Easter Day a brief look in before he responded, putting a seal on things before the last and eventually running out a nine-length winner. Ballybough Pat plugged on to finish another three and three-quarter lengths back in third.

Clondaw Kaempfer, the Donald McCain-trained second-favourite, was never really travelling in the gruelling conditions and was pulled up quite sharply in the straight by Jason Maguire. 

The winner is now priced at 11.010/1 for the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, behind only Irish-trained Pont Alexandre.