Smart Hurdler Completes Double For Milan

Surrey Quest (4g Milan - Roztoc, by Desert King) made it two from two over hurdles with an impressive performance in Wednesday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster.

Second on debut in a bumper, Nicky Henderson’s charge made a smart return at Leicester last month, but faced stiffer competition on his second start over hurdles. Ridden to chase the leaders by Nathan Brennan, he improved to lead from after the third last and was shaken up to extend his advantage approaching the final flight. He won by seven lengths on the line, with another seven and a half lengths back to the third.

It will be interesting to see what Surrey Quest does next, with rider Brennan later commenting, “He is still a big baby. He's going to come on a ton from that run.”

Owned by Surrey Racing, the bay was bred by Sean McElroy and completed a rapid across the card double for Grange Stud sire Milan. Shortly before at Kelso, the improving Ned Tanner (5g Milan - Rose Tanner, by Roselier) gained a deserved maiden victory in the novice hurdle.

Racing over two miles and six furlongs, the Nicky Alexander-trained bay was positioned in mid-division by Sean Quinlan and improved to chase the leaders from four out. Ridden to challenge approaching the final flight, he soon led and stayed on well to beat the favourite by a length and three quarters, with another seven lengths back to the third horse.

Ned Tanner had finished in the first four on all of his previous starts and becomes the fourth winner bred by John Mulcahy out of the mare Rose Tanner.