'I couldn't believe he didn't win a bumper' - highly regarded Junker D'Allier makes perfect start to hurdling career

Olly Murphy holds Junker D'Allier in high regard and was delighted to see him make a winning debut over hurdles in division one of the 2m1f novice hurdle.

Runner-up in three bumpers, the five-year-old cruised into the contest under Sean Bowen before going clear on the run-in to score by four and three-quarter lengths.

"I couldn't believe he didn't win a bumper last season, but he's improved for a summer break and he jumped well. It was a good performance," Murphy said.

"He's always shown us plenty at home. His work has been good. Sean made a fair point that I ran him back quick enough after he ran well on his debut and that probably backfired on us. So we'll give him a month and look for something similar again, hopefully before maybe stepping him in grade at Christmas. He's one to look forward to."

Bowen was completing a double, having earlier steered Western Zephyr to a nine-length success in the 2m novice handicap chase. 

He was narrowly denied a treble when a neck second on Woodland Park in division two of the novice hurdle, won by the Lucinda Russell-trained I Wish You.

The Patrick Wadge-ridden four-year-old was winning for the first time, having finished second in a bumper and three runs over hurdles.

Assistant trainer Peter Scudamore told Racing TV: "He was beaten by three of our horses. I never felt he was ungenuine or anything, he just wants further and to mature a bit.

"He was recommended and wasn't expensive, and the owners have been very good to us. We bought him as a two-year-old and it's very rewarding when you've kept them that long and they come through. I feel like there's a lot of progress in him and I think he's a chaser."

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