Ballyandy battles to Betfair success Ballyandy justified strong support as he landed a gamble in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday. Last year's Cheltenham Champion Bumper victor was winning for the first time over hurdles as he got the better of Movewiththetimes in a battle worthy of the £155,000 prize. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies thought Ballyandy was well-handicapped and plenty listened as the six-year-old was a successful 3-1 favourite. Stablemate Ballyhill made the running with Clyne in close attendance while trainer's son Sam Twiston-Davies was content to stay off the pace until the straight. Movewiththetimes (6-1) laid down a strong challenge but Ballyandy was equal to the task and asserted close home to strike by three-quarters of a length. Clyne (6-1) with six lengths away third with Song Light (14-1) a further two lengths back in fourth. Twiston-Davies senior told ITV Racing: "It's lovely when a plan works out. He's been unlucky and hasn't won any of the races we thought he would. What a consolation! "He'll go to Cheltenham now for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle." It was a great day for the family as Twiston-Davies' other jockey son Willie, rode the stable's Flying Angel to victory in the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick. His brother Sam said: "It worked out great. Nigel's horses have been in tremendous form and this fella has done very well. "Willie has done a great job at Warwick. "This race went really well. I had a smooth passage. He didn't jump as well as I might have liked down the back, but in the straight he came alive. "I got there sooner than I would have liked, but with his cruising speed it just happened and he has a good turn of foot."
