First Runner A Winner For Ocovango

Ocovango’s first runner provided him with a perfect start to his stallion career when taking the two mile Juvenile Maiden Hurdle at Ludlow on Wednesday.

There was strong market support for Langer Dan (3g Ocovango - What A Fashion, by Milan) and Harry Skelton rode the bay to track the leaders. He was travelling well when making a challenge three from home and led from the next, from which he was driven out to score by two lengths and a quarter.

Tom Messenger, assistant trainer to Dan Skelton, commented after the race, “Langer Dan is National hunt-bred and didn't have the experience of some of the ex-Flat types in opposition. He's always jumped well and has a fantastic attitude, which has stood him in good stead.”

Owned by Colm Donlon, Langer Dan was bred by Hugh O’Connor out of an unraced mare who is closely related to Skelton’s black-type hurdler Whatsdjazz (Yeats).

Wednesday’s result bodes well for Ocovango, who commands €3,500 at the Beeches Stud. The son of Monsun won at Group 2 level and was Group 1 placed as a three-year-old.