Promising Novice Hurdler Kicks Off Double For Milan

Surrey Quest (4g Milan - Roztoc, by Desert King) made a winning return to action on Sunday, when leading home a 1-2 for Grange Stud sire Milan in Leicester’s Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles.

Second in a bumper on his sole previous start, the Nicky Henderson-trained bay was sent off second favourite under James Bowen and chased the leaders for much of the way. Ridden to challenge at the final flight, he led from 110 yards out and was pushed out to beat Reilly (Milan) by two and a quarter lengths.

Owned by Surrey Racing, the promising hurdler was bred by Sean McElroy.

Later that afternoon at Boulta, Hot As Pepper (5m Milan - Get In There, by Beneficial) made a winning debut for owner/trainer David Harry Kelly.

Sent off favourite under James Hannon, she kept on well from the final fence to score by a length and a half from Eightytwo Team (Mahler), with the first pair drawing 12 lengths clear of the field.

Hot As Pepper is a full-sister to four-time winner Top Man (Milan) and was bred by Christopher Doyle out of a half-sister to Grade 2 winner River Wylde (Oscar).