Wizard beaten by Sgt at Kempton West Wizard (1/6fav) met with a surprise defeat on his hurdling debut at Kempton this afternoon. Nicky Henderson's charge had won a bumper at the track on his only previous start and was ante-post favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. However he was firmly put in his place by Sgt Reckless (7/2) in the Openwork Foundation British Stallion Studs E.B.F. 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle. Barry Geraghty tracked his main market rival for much of the contest but was clearly anxious turning in as Sgt Reckless, for Mick Channon and Dominic Elsworth, went on and the favourite never looked like landing a telling blow, going down by five lengths. Hawaii Five Nil finished thirty-eight lengths back in third under Tony McCoy for Jonjo O'Neill at 6/1. West Wizard is out to 16/1 from 8s for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Paddy Power. Boylesports have introduced the winner at 20/1 for the same race, while they have pushed West Wizard out to 14s.
