First Hurdle Victory For Downtown Getaway

Exciting bumper winner Downtown Getaway (6g Getaway - Shang A Lang, by Commander Collins) gained his first win over hurdles at Ascot on Saturday.

Sent off favourite for the Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and five and a half furlongs, Nicky Henderson’s charge tracked the leaders under Nico de Boinville and raced up the rail after the final flight, squeezing by Champagne Well to snatch victory on the line.

Further improvement is sure to come, as Henderson noted some needed changes for the winner; “It is quite quick underneath the top and Downtown Getaway probably wants 3m and soft ground rather than anything else. He is tough and will improve.”

A 12 length bumper winner for Mags Mullins and Peter Magnier in December, Downtown Getaway was then sold to Henderson and Highflyer Bloodstock for £350,000 at the Cheltenham Sale. Bred in partnership by Magnier and Mullins, he is a half-brother to Listed performer Timeforwest (Westerner).