McFabulous Proves Just That With Easy Grade 2 Win

McFabulous (7g Milan - Rossavon, by Beneficial) proved a class above his rivals when cruising home to win Saturday’s Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Kempton.

The Paul Nicholls-trained bay was sent off favourite with two Grades wins over hurdles to his name, including over course and distance over two miles and five furlongs. Travelling well with the leaders approaching three out, he always looked the likely winner and led at the second last, running on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

It will be exciting to see what McFabulous does next and on future plans, Nicholls said, “McFabulous will have an entry for the Stayers' Hurdle in case it falls apart but I would say we'll keep him fresh for Aintree. He is going to be a super chaser. I see him as one to come back here for the Kauto Star on Boxing Day. Three miles over fences at Kempton would be perfect for him.”

McFabulous first displayed his talent in bumpers, of which he won three, including a Grade 2 at Aintree. Owned by Giraffa Racing, the son of Grange Stud sire Milan was bought by Tom Malone as a store for €88,000 from breeder Vincent Finn.

The previous race on the card, a Class 2 chase over three miles, saw the talented Double Shuffle (11g Milan - Fiddlers Bar, by Un Desperado) gain a deserved return to the winner’s enclosure.

The Tom George-trained bay has produced numerous admirable performances in defeat but had struggled with a rise in the weights since his fine second to Might Bite in the King George Chase over Saturday’s course and distance.

Owned by the Crossed Fingers Partnership, Double Shuffle was bred by AW Young and is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Rocky’s Treasure (Westerner).