2.45 2m. 5f. 8 Declared. William Hill Boyne H'dle (Grade 2) of €36,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €21,900.00 2nd - €7,300.00 3rd - €3,650.00 4th - €1,825.00 5th - €1,095.00 6th - €730.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - BLAZING KHAL has reportedly had a 'stop-start' preparation despite being in since July but won this race on reappearance following a long layoff last year. A triple Grade 2 winner - including twice at Cheltenham, he smartly won last year's renewal and while well beaten in the subsequent Stayers Hurdle, probably underperformed. 2021 Drinmore Chase winner Beacon Edge finished 6.5 lengths third in last year's renewal of this race and while he lacks a gear to be high-class, should run well and be placed. Ashdale Bob is dependable but might bump into a few too good while De Capo Glory steps up from a recent handicap win. Sire Du Berlais won last year's Stayers Hurdle but is now 12, finished fourth in last year's renewal and will have bigger spring targets ahead - with his trainer recently downplaying today's chances. Hiddenvalley Lake's chase career has been put on hold and faces a tough task on hurdling return while Cheltenham's cross-country candidates Galvin and Delta Work will be sharper for today's outing.
A hurdle for five years old and upwardsWeights - 11st 3lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - to count from 1st August, 2022 Winner of three hurdle races or a Grade 3 hurdle race 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or a Grade 2 hurdle race 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 9lb extra