The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Ballyandy landed a gamble in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury with a gutsy performance in the two-mile contest.
The 3/1 favourite was well supported throughout the day and duly obliged under Sam Twiston-Davies in the competitive handicap hurdle.
The six-year-old had failed to win in three novice hurdle events this season but had been granted a fair official rating of 135 for this contest. Ballyandy proved that mark to be all wrong with a decisive three-quarter length success with Movewiththetimes back in second, Clyne a further six lengths back in third and Song Light two lengths away in fourth.
Ballyandy travelled well throughout the race and scythed through the field to challenge for the lead with Movewiththetimes at the final flight, pulling clear of the remainder of the field.
The duo had a cracking battle after the final flight but Twiston-Davies’ charge, last year’s Champion Bumper winner, had the better flat speed and was helped by Movewiththetimes lugging into the winner under Barry Geraghty.
Ballyandy’s success completed a Super Saturday for the family with William Twiston-Davies, Nigel’s father and Sam’s son won the Grade Two Kingmaker Novices’ Chase aboard Flying Angel for his father.
