Getaway Continues Fine Run With Impressive Double

One True King (5g Getaway - Final Leave, by Glacial Storm) could not have been more impressive when winning the two mile Novices’ Hurdle at Leicester on Thursday afternoon.

Successful in a maiden hurdle in October, the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained chesnut was beaten just a head last time out at Cheltenham, when carrying top weight, and was sent off favourite on his latest start. Sam Twiston-Davies rode him to make all and success never looked in doubt, the favourite racing clear approaching the last, winning by 12 lengths unchallenged.

Thursday brought One True King’s record to two wins and three placings in all his starts over hurdles. An impressive bumper winner last season and previously successful between the flags for Cormac Doyle, the son of Getaway is the best performer bred by Joe Fogarty out of the mare Final Leave.

Meanwhile, at Wincanton, the Colin Tizzard-trained Striking A Pose (4g Getaway - Clonsingle Native, by Be My Native) made a successful step up in trip in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs.

Bought after winning a four-year-old maiden for Tom Ellis, the bay finished third on his first two starts over hurdles for owners M Sharp, G Kennington and I & C Gosden. Robbie Power rode him in midfield, making headway approaching four out and was travelling best when producing a challenge at the second last. Soon in front, he raced clear on the run-in to win by eight and a half lengths.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said, “He's a point-to-point winner so stepping him up in trip worked a treat. He's a gorgeous-looking four-year-old and is a nice horse who we hope will continue progressing through the ranks.”

Bred by Gerry Caplis, Striking A Pose is a half-brother to useful chaser Ackertac.