The Liquidator impresses at Cheltenham

The former John 'Shark' Hanlon trained and Punchestown Grade 1 winner, The Liquidator (6/4) ran out a very easy winner of the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

David Pipe's Grade One bumper winner was sent off second favourite after a late plunge on the well-backed Sea Lord (evens), but he never saw another rival after leading from pillar to post.

As The Liquidator did everything easily up front, Denis O'Regan never looked happy on Sea Lord who put in a few iffy jumps on his way to dropping through the field.

Lac Fontana too, ran a disappointing race and was quickly out of contention, with outsider Minellaforleisure looking the most likely threat to the winner turning for home.

However, The Liquidator wasn't for catching up the hill and he was 15 lengths clear at the line, Sea Lord running on again to get second from Minellaforleisure in the shadows of the post.

"He's obviously a good horse and I'm glad he's shown the speed to win over two miles," said trainer Pipe.

"It could be that Sea Lord didn't run his race but who knows and I'm sure that time will tell. He's been working well at home and we might stick to two miles for the time being. I'm pleased for Roger (Brookhouse - owner) as he's been good to me over the years and hopefully I've been good to him too.

Scudamore was also pleased with the speed that The Liquidator showed and this victory was the jockey's 50th of the season.

"He was very impressive. I was very happy with him all the way through," said the jockey.

"The thing that really struck me here and particularly at Carlisle the time before was the slickness of his hurdling. He has jumped fantastically all the way through and that makes a jockey's life so much easier when you are gaining lengths and are able to keep coming back on the bridle.

"The only moment's worry he gave me was when he overjumped and stumbled the other side a little bit at the second last but he is so neat and quick on his feet it was more of a worry for me than anybody else. He is a really likeable sort. We always knew he was a good horse when he was placed around here in The Festival bumper and won at Punchestown.

"From the minute we jumped him over hurdles he has been enjoying it. His ears are pricked and he is eyeing up every obstacle. When they enjoy racing like he does and have his class, it is a pleasure.

"I'm not sure whether he'll be good enough to win a Supreme as I've not ridden many good horses in that race but this fellow does remind me of Osana (who finished second in the 2008 Champion Hurdle behind Katchit). He will handle a step up in trip while he has the speed for two miles. We will see what happens. I would not want anybody else to ride him, that is for sure."

"We were certainly pleased to see him win as his victory prevented us from triggering the 'Money Back Special', which was a refund for our customers if the favourite won."

Sea Lord's trainer John Ferguson said: "Denis [O'Regan] has been saying we should step him up in trip, but his work has always been very impressive at home and we were keen to stay at two miles until we felt we had to go further. There was no point doing so while he was winning.

"The ground would have been tacky enough for him - he was running on good ground during the summer which is probably his ideal.

"He's a brave and genuine horse and a wonderful horse to have around so we are going to have a lot of fun with him. He might have a rest now, but we'll take him home and see how he is. It's not his style to drop out of a race and he stayed on at the finish and looks a happy horse now."

Minellaforleisure was caught near the post by Sea Lord but, on only his second outing over hurdles, Alex Hales was more than satisfied. He said: "We're delighted. It was a big ask coming here today, and the ground has gone against us, although to be fair the same could probably be said of Sea Lord.

"The winner must be a good horse. Paddy [Brennan] went wide looking for better ground and Minellaforleisure ran a blinder, but we'll just have to make a decision now as to whether to put him away for the spring."