Game, set, match: No tennis regrets for Gemmell as Paisley Park shines in Cleeve

Most people would jump at the chance to head down under and escape the January blues with a trip to the Australian Open, but owner Andrew Gemmell is on a journey that promises to be even more exciting and fulfilling.

Blind since birth, Gemmell is a keen West Ham United supporter, but it is Paisley Park who seemingly has the biggest place in his heart right now and that is no surprise.

Trained near Marlborough by Emma Lavelle, Paisley Park is now clear favourite for the Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle at 7-2 with Betfair and Sky Bet following his impressive victory in the Galliard Homes-backed Cleeve Hurdle.

In a race that in recent years has set Big Buck's and Thistlecrack on their way to Cheltenham Festival glory, the son of Oscar shone under Aidan Coleman, who reckoned he had hit the front two furlongs too soon.

Not that Gemmell was complaining – about that or plumping for the Cotswolds over Melbourne.

He said: "It’s the best decision I've made in a while!

"That was unbelievable and this horse continues to surpass our expectations. He's just growing into himself and getting better and better."

Paisley Park: now favourite for the Stayers' HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

That was also the view of Lavelle, whose post-race debrief included deflecting credit to her husband Barry Fenton for the forensic attention he has paid to the seven-year-old, who last month gave the yard – and Coleman – a breakthrough Grade 1 triumph in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

"That was quite impressive wasn't it? He looked pretty special out there. I hope we have the same preparation for the festival," said a relieved and overjoyed trainer.

"I think the horse is a trainer's dream – but ask me that in a few weeks! All we have to do – that little 'all' – is bring him here in the same form in March."

More streetwise now – the key to his improvement connections believe – Paisley Park, who strode 12 lengths clear of West Approach with Black Op two lengths further back, will head to jump racing's most important week as one of the feelgood stories of the season and Lavelle is thrilled to be part of it.

She added: "He has achieved what no other horse in nearly 21 years has, which is a Grade 1 winner for us, so he's very important regardless of that.

Watch Paisley Park win the Cleeve Hurdle

"Everyone loves a good horse and he himself has a good story as he was very sick, while it couldn't happen to a nicer person. We don't all start life off a level playing field, but Andrew has not let that stop him, so I take my hat off to him.

"He is the most extraordinary brave, kind, nice man who can drink better than anyone I know."

If the progression Paisley Park has shown continues, there could easily be some more champagne corks to be popped come March 14.

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