Honestly Policy ran down Regents Stroll in the closing stages to win the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.
The runner-up tried to make all under Harry Cobden and after slick leaps at the final two flights looked ready to collect.
However Mark Walsh was conjuring a late flourish aboard the 5/1 winner which was to carry him to the front inside the final 50 yards on to a half-length success.
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: “He’s a tough horse, he’s got a good attitude and is very well named. I’m very happy with that. He’ll stay further and make a lovely staying chaser in time.”
Betfair and Paddy Power make the winner 25/1 for next year’s Brown Advisory and 20/1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus Benefits
Walsh added "He’s very well-named - he’s as honest as the day is long. It’s only his fourth run over hurdles and he’s still inexperienced, and, in fairness to him, when he got going after the third-last he never raised his head off the ground and galloped all the way to the line. I was hopeful going to the last - he jumped and picked up well, but he wasn’t going as quickly after the last as I’d have liked, but I knew he had enough left in the tank. He’ll have no problem going over fences last year.
"I’m delighted for Gordon and all the team - to get a winner here means a lot to them."
Paul Nicholls, who watched the race with the runner-up’s part-owner Sir Alex Ferguson and Regent’s Stroll’s other owners, said: “That just shows he’s a real smart horse, and he’s learning all the time. That’s probably the best he’s run. He jumped brilliant, and he’s just chilled a bit more today. I thought better ground would help and I’m thrilled with him.
“It’s a long-term project with a horse like him and as I said to the lads, Rome wasn’t built in a day. What a super chaser he’s going to make.”
More from Sporting Life
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
