'He’s taken a bit of time to get it together' – Strackan finally comes of age for delighted Henry Daly

This was the day Strackan finally grew up.

Gormless was the most fitting description trainer Henry Daly could apply to the five-year-old prior to him lining up in the 2m4f novice handicap hurdle, as six runs had yielded some promise but not much in the way of being competitive where it mattered.

There had been the hint of a racehorse emerging after his previous outing at Worcester, which in a race containing limited opposition was enough to result in Strackan being priced up the 6-4 market leader here. But still, there was much for Strackan to still piece together. 

Assisted by David Bass, who took his record for Daly this season to five wins and four placed efforts from 12 rides, Stracken went to the lead and that was where he stayed, even after the late challenge of Diamond Geezer and jockeys’ championship leader Sean Bowen, who was seeking to complete a treble on the day.

“He’s taken a bit of time to get it together,” Daly said. “He was gormless, really, but bless him, he’s jumped out and made all and he’s jumped really nicely, especially at the last.”

As well as being able to savour the victory of Strackan, Daly reported that Hillcrest had returned sound and in good order after his comeback fourth at Haydock on Saturday.

Bob sinks on chase debut

Shanagh Bob’s chasing career got off to a lacklustre start when the Grade 2-winning hurdler finished a distant last in the 3m limited handicap chase won by Roccovango.

Viewed as potentially being a top-class chaser by trainer Nicky Henderson, Shanagh Bob looked laboured giving weight all round in the soft ground, having been sent off the 11-10 favourite.

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.