Kempton Sunday review: Cadzand caps Skeltons' meeting

Dramatic win for Heross

Heross Du Seuil took advantage of the final flight fall of Honneur D’Ajonc to claim a dramatic Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Introductory Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.

The drama started at the bend just after the winning post on the first circuit when Cloud Thunder, who was leading the field, veered violently left on seeing the exit from the course and carried out Warranty.

That left Honneur D’Ajonc in front and Chester Williams appeared to have got his fractions spot on as he was still seemingly going strongly in front when meeting the last on a long stride and unfortunately toppling over.

As a result Nicky Henderson’s Heross Du Seuil, a winner on his only start on the Flat in France, was left a long way clear of the remainder and the 3-1 shot was able to coast home along under Nico de Boinville, with the favourite Her Indoors 10 lengths back in second.

Henderson said: “You never know what would have happened as he was just starting to get the hang of it to be honest. He was very green.

“He has only had one of those AQPS flat races in France, which is probably the equivalent of a Plumpton bumper, so you have no idea what they are. He was green and he has a lot to learn. He is very laid back at home and he lit up a bit more on the racecourse.

“I’d like to keep low, as experience is what he is going to need all the way. He was just getting going at the end and he was winging away coming down to the last.

“It would have been interesting to see if the other one would have stood up. I’m just pleased to get him on a racecourse and get him off and running.”

Both Heross Du Seuil and Honneur D’Ajonc were given 25/1 quotes for the JCB Triumph Hurdle by Betfair, Paddy Power and Sky Bet.

Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet, said: "Heross Du Seuil was perhaps a slightly fortunate winner, but it was still a good performance on his first start over hurdles. We now make him a 25/1 chance from 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle."

All you could wish for and more

Dan Skelton will consider Graded race options for Molly Ollys Wishes, who took a step up to an extended three miles in her stride with a two-and-a-half-length verdict in the Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

The Alcester handler said of the 9-2 shot: “The owners lost a horse at the start of the year. This mare has just taken over the mantle as she has progressed rapidly.

“It is not all of a sudden that I’ve trained her differently. She has just really matured and got the hang of things. Three miles suits her and going right-handed is perfect for her.

“I suspect she will get an entry in the Warfield (Grade Two at Ascot) – whether she is quite ready for that I don’t know, but we will have a look at it.

“I wouldn’t rule out looking at some of those races in Ireland at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, as I feel she is that little bit better right-handed.”

The trainer and jockey went on to land the feature with Nube Negra before combining for their third victory on the card - and fifth of the two-day meeting - with Cadzand in the concluding two mile handicap.

The unexposed five-year-old was supported into 5/2 favourite and his backers had little cause for concern throughout. Kept wide by his jockey for much of the race, he moved into contention in the straight travelling ominously well and only needed a shake of the reigns to quicken away from the last and record an impressive success.

"He went through the race very well," the winning jockey told Racing TV.

"The owners have been patient with him and things are coming right for him now. Hopefully he's a progressive horse going the right way."

There was to be no fairytale ending for David Crosse, who finished unplaced on his final mount before retirement, Always Resolute.

Royal procession from Pagaille

Prior to Cadzand's victory, there had been an equally impressive handicap debut from Royal Pagaille in the the three mile handicap chase.

The six-year-old's first season in Britain had been a write-off but Rich Ricci's French recruit followed up a victory over two miles and five furlongs at Haydock in facile fashion.

Well backed overnight, the Venetia Williams-trained runner was sent off the 9/2 favourite and was patiently ridden in a race run at a strong gallop. Charlie Deutsch had moved his mount onto the heels of the leaders approaching the home straight but reaching the last, had only fellow hold-up performer Cap Du Nord for company.

That rival was under pressure whereas Deutsch hadn't asked a question and he only needed to push Royal Pagaille out to score by a commanding three and a quarter lengths with the pair 19 lengths clear of Double Shuffle in third.