Christmas Special winner Wertpol (9/1)

Harry Derham's interview in the Christmas Special produced its third winner over the Festive period when Wertpol (9/1) won the juvenile hurdle at Taunton on Tuesday. Previously handled on the Flat by Johnny Murtagh in Ireland, the Kodi Bear gelding failed to win in nine starts on the level and was officially rated 69. Purchased for 37,000gns at the Newmarket Autumn Horses in Training Sale in late October, he still has a bit to learn jumping wise but the grey travelled strongly and only had to be pushed out to win going away by four and a quarter lengths. It was a pleasing start and from a source which has served Paul Nicholls' former assistant well over the years - Givemefive and Viyanni also began their careers with Murtagh.