Promising Son Of Ocovango Lands Maiden Hurdle

Sunday saw Unanswered Prayers (5g Ocovango - Fitanga Speed, by Oscar) gain a deserved maiden victory when making a winning hurdle debut at Uttoxeter.

A close second in two point-to-points as a four-year-old, the Kevin Talbot-bred bay was beaten just a neck in a bumper on his first start for Chris Gordon earlier this year. Returning from a break at the weekend, he was sent off favourite for the maiden hurdle and was ridden to chase the leaders by Tom Cannon. Ridden from the second last, he led approaching the final flight and kept on well on the run-in to win by two lengths and three quarters.

From the first crop of Beeches Stud sire Ocovango, Unanswered Prayers becomes the first winner out of the unraced Oscar mare Fitanga Speed.