Cap Fits in Ascot G2 for Milan

If The Cap Fits (6g Milan-Derravaragh Sayra, by Sayarshan) advertised his Champion Hurdle credentials at Ascot on Saturday with a commanding victory in the G2 Coral Hurdle.

Trained by Harry Fry for Paul and Clare Rooney, the Milan gelding finished late to come out a length and a half ahead of Old Guard.

The six-year-old won his three starts as a novice last season before a setback saw him miss the spring festivals but connections hope for compensation in the coming months.

"He only ran two weeks ago and from turning in he has had to dig deep and he has toughed it out. It is a good prize and I'm delighted to land it,” said Fry. "He had no problems with the trip today and it is great to win a prize like that for Paul and Clare Rooney.

"It was disappointing for us all in the spring as we had such high hopes for him, but they were very patient and we did the best for him and that allowed us to get him back to his best.

"He spent the summer at Jason's and he and his team got him back fit and sound and we are reaping the rewards now. He is an exciting second-season hurdler to go to war with.

"Noel (Fehily) is mad keen on the Christmas Hurdle in a month's time, so I think all being well, that is the next logical step then we will see where he takes us."

Meanwhile Jason Maguire is hoping that If The Cap Fits can make his mark at Cheltenham in March and added: “He’ll have to up his game and he’s got a lot to find on ratings, but that’s the route we’re going to take and we’ll treat him like a Champion Hurdle horse.”

If The Cap Fits was bred in Ireland by Liam Gilsenan.