Hyland spring-heeled in smart front-running success

Hyland jumped like the proverbial stag to claim the Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s grey was ridden by Nico de Boinville and started as the 2-1 joint-favourite, with Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s Springwell Bay the other market leader alongside him.

Hyland took up the lead early on and was foot-perfect at every fence, leading the field of four soundly around the three-mile-half-furlong trip and turning into the home straight still at the head of affairs.

He was not for catching as he climbed the hill and secured a half-length victory from Resplendent Grey, with Springwell Bay another four lengths behind in third.

Henderson said: “I had been thinking of running him in the old National Hunt Chase but it looks like that will be out of the window now.

“Jumping is his strong suit, and he must have this ground, he absolutely loves it. I must say they have done a fantastic job of it here, Nico came and walked it this morning to check it for Jonbon and he said it was beautiful.

“He’s one of those horses who keeps on surprising us. He doesn’t work like a very good horse but we might have to reassess where he fits in.

“While we are waiting for some softer ground for some of the others, he has been making hay, but it’s pointless making a plan for him simply because he must have good ground.

“He does jump exceptionally well. But if you remember, I couldn’t win a race over hurdles with Remittance Man for two years and when he went over fences, he was nigh on unbeatable. I’m not saying he’s going to be the same, but we always knew jumping would be his strong suit.

“If it does become a bog, we’ll keep him for something in the spring. He’s surprised us quite a bit and he’ll be forced into some pretty grown-up races now.”