Top 40 entry The Reverend wins on hurdles debut

It is impossible to get used to these weather affected weekends when it comes to sport - at least the Darts world final takes place on Saturday evening. On the racing front, the highlight on Saturday provided by The Reverend who won on his hurdles debut at Cork. Featured in the Top 40 in OJA, the five year old is rated 102 on the Flat and won four of his nine races for William Haggas before being transferred to Willie Mullins in September. Not the biggest (15.3hh), the Lope De Vega gelding has reportedly been keen at home hence he wore a hood for his jumping bow. However, Paul Townend's mount settled well and jumped accurately before pulling away after the second last. Hitting a top speed of 35.33mph inside the penultimate furlong, he covered the last three furlongs in 13.52, 13.31 and 13.82 seconds, according to Race Iq - the winning time was three and a half seconds quicker than the novice hurdle which followed. His jockey appeared pleased with the performance and a rise in grade is expected to be next. His next run will tell us more. 

Ben Pauling nominated Vanderpoel (9/4) as his horse to follow in OJA and the seven year old made it two wins over fences when beating his four rivals in the two miles handicap chase at Sandown. Raised eight pounds for his victory at Ascot last month, the former pointer produced another exhibition round of jumping before pulling clear after the penultimate fence. A four and a quarter lengths winner off 134, he looks capable of winning a major two miles handicap but may need to go right-handed, although he won a point-to-point racing left-handed. Either way, he is progressive and another smashing young prospect for his rampant trainer.