Improving Son Of Yeats Gains First Win Over Hurdles

A drop back in trip saw Fugitives Drift (5g Yeats - Shebeganit, by Alfora) gain his maiden hurdle success on the second attempt at Huntingdon on Thursday.

Placed on his only start in a bumper last season, he finished third on hurdle debut last month and returned to two miles on his latest starts in the Novices’ Hurdle. Sent off favourite under Nico de Boinville, Nicky Henderson’s charge led from four out and came under pressure two flights later. Staying on strongly from the final flight, he ran on to win by three and a half lengths from Mickey Buckman, with Loughan (Yeats) running on for third on his hurdle debut.

This progressive son of Yeats should have more to offer for owners HP Racing. He was bred by JA Lane and R Lane out of an unraced half-sister to Grade 2 hurdler Couleur France (Flemensfirth).