Paddy rallies bravely to take Berkshire Winter Million opener

Derryhassen Paddy maintained his unbeaten record after a pulsating climax to the curtain-raising Fitzdares Berkshire Winter Million Novices’ Hurdle at Windsor.

Five runners went to post for the opening race of the three-day Berkshire Winter Million, with Lucinda Russell’s Scottish raider Derryhassen Paddy the 2-1 favourite to add to previous victories under rules in a bumper at Ayr and a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter.

Craig Nichol’s mount raced on the speed throughout the three-mile contest and after seeing off the persistent challenge of Dameofthecotswolds, Honky Tonk Highway emerged as the biggest threat at the top of the home straight and briefly poked her head in front under Harry Skelton.

However, Derryhassen Paddy battled back bravely and after a minor barging match on the run-in, the pair flashed by the post almost as one before the judge confirmed Russell’s runner the winner by a nose.

Nichol, riding at Windsor for the first time, told Sky Sports Racing: “He showed a lot of guts, which I liked, and when I ran the track earlier, I thought it might be a bit sharp for him as he’s a lovely, big, galloping horse.

“When I missed the last, I was a bit concerned, but he stuck his head down and dug deep and actually got bumped a couple of times up the run-in. His attitude was absolutely spot-on today.

“When he goes chasing next season, he’ll be a better horse again. I said to Lucinda I can’t wait to ride him over a fence. He’s almost too big and hurdles get in his way a little bit, but he’s an exciting horse for the future.

“Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore) have been very bullish about him ever since I went up and schooled him and rode him and he’s backed that up for everyone today.”

Russell added: “He’s an absolute beast – he’s a lovely, lovely horse. He’s almost a little bit slow at his hurdling, but he’ll be better over fences next year.”