Go Native kept the dreams of a £1million bonus alive after a narrow victory over Starluck in the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
Having won the first leg of the WBX.COM Triple Crown at Newcastle in the Fighting Fifth, Noel Meade’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner confirmed that form by beating Binocular yet again.
Sent off the 5-2 second-favourite all the same, Davy Condon was going almost too well at the last where a fantastic leap saw him take up the running.
He shot three lengths clear but just like his old stablemate Harchibald, began to pull himself up on the run-in, allowing Starluck and Timmy Murphy one last chance.
The winning distance was only a short head but connections will not mind as if he can win the Champion Hurdle in March, they will be millionaires.
Go Native is 6-1 from 10s for the Champion Hurdle with William Hill and Condon said: “If Noel Meade is watching I apologise! I was there a bit soon.
“In fairness he stuck his neck out when other horse came to him and I’d say he’ll definitely take all the beating at Cheltenham.”
Paul Carberry, representing Meade, added: “We were worried about the ground, but he travelled great and jumped super. He’s got loads of gears and was probably just in front a bit too soon. We’re very happy with him.”
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