Plate Beckons For Drever After World Rule

Inglis Drever is a 6-1 chance with the sponsors for a third Ladbrokes World Hurdle crown after returning to the scene of his finest hour to land a second victory in the staying championship at Cheltenham.

But a spin on the Flat at Newcastle beckons first for the Howard Johnson-trained eight-year-old, who collected in the three-mile thriller two years ago only to be ruled out last year with injury.

The horse was back in a big way on this occasion as he worked his way into the race and stormed up the hill under jockey Paddy Brennan to score by three-quarters of a length from Mighty Man.

Drama could be found at every corner, with the 2-1 favourite Black Jack Ketchum tipping up at the third flight, while Inglis Drever himself appeared to be running a moody race at the rear of the field.

Johnson said after the 5-1 success: 'He is such an honest little horse and he does come on and off the bridle. He did exactly that when he beat Baracouda two years ago.

'I told Paddy not to worry and said that when the horse comes down the hill and sees daylight that he will pick up.

'It is nice to come and do it two years out of three and this horse, along with Direct Route and Grey Abbey, would be the best I have trained.

'I have always wanted to win a Northumberland Plate and you might see him there next. Liverpool is a possibility, but he won't go to Punchestown as he wants to go right-handed.

'He is an eight-year-old so it is the ideal time to put him back on the Flat.

'He will never jump a fence, but I would like to come back here and win this again.'

Millionaire owner Graham Wylie said: 'To win it for the second time is even more special due to his injury.

'I didn't panic watching the race as I know that is his style ? I just hoped that by the top of the hill for the second time that he was in contention and he was. He always sticks his head out and he tries, which is what he has done today.

'Having had three winners at the Festival two years ago, I think it was good in some ways to have no winners last year as it made us appreciate just how special it is to have a winner here.'

The victory cemented the new partnership between Brennan, Wylie and Johnson after the former took over as retained rider following Graham Lee's departure at the beginning of the season.

Brennan said: 'I've never felt as much pressure going into any race as I did today, because I knew how good he was.

'I heard the shouts from the crowd so I knew Black Jack had fallen, but I knew I had a lot more to worry about.

'Coming down the hill the horse knew where he was. He loves the crowd and has won a World Hurdle before ? he just comes alive here.'

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill, while obviously disappointed, was relieved that both Tony McCoy and Black Jack Ketchum had returned safe and sound.

He said: 'It's an annoying thing to happen, but I suppose that's racing. We can't do anything about it.

'He came here in great shape, we were very happy with him, he schooled great the other morning.

'But that's the game we're in. Life goes on. The main thing is both the jockey and horse have come back OK and he lives to fight another day. I would think we will take him to Aintree.'

(C) PA Sport