Welsh Champion Hurdle Result: Medinas is the King

Alan King, trainer of Medinas.

Medinas wore down Peckhamecho on the run-in to land the spoils in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las...

Wayne Hutchinson made the most of the ride on the Alan King-trained 6-1 shot as stable jockey Robert Thornton preferred Balder Succes in this valuable limited handicap.

The complexion of this competitive race changed in the straight with several horses holding chances including Tanerko Emery, owned by Ffos Las chairman Dai Walters, after the favourite Oscara Dara weakened tamely.

However, Tanerko Emery had to settle for third spot as Peckhamecho made his bid for glory only for Medinas to sweep past and score by a length and a quarter with Tanerko Emery was just a neck behind.

"He travelled and jumped well. I found myself in front from the back of the third last, which wasn't ideal where I was," Hutchinson told At The Races.

"I was floating down to two out then Nick (Scholfield on Peckhamecho) has got a run on me down the far side so I gradually worked my way across to give him something to aim at.

"He put his head down and stuck on really well.

"He has come back a fresher horse today after his break and has done the job.

"I've half let the race unfold as I was there soon enough three out."

Speaking from Sandown, King said: "To be honest there's nothing between them on the ratings.

"I did say to Choc (Robert Thornton) yesterday "which one do you want to ride?" but we both agreed he should be on Balder Succes. He was disappointing, I don't think he stayed.

"I think Medinas is qualified for the Pertemps Final and I'll also put him in the Coral Cup."

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