'I wasn't sure but Paddy was adamant' - high-flying Fergal O'Brien on mark again

This year has been rotten for many, but Fergal O'Brien will remember 2020 slightly more fondly than most having already eclipsed his record for most winners in a season, and the exciting Alaphilippe gave him hope there is more to come in 2021 with a polished display in the 2m4f novice hurdle.

The six-year-old increased his record to three from three under rules by running the field ragged under Paddy Brennan, with O'Brien now planning to target him at Sandown's EBF Novices' Hurdle Final in March.

"He's been a little star," O'Brien said. "I wasn't sure the track and trip would suit because he's a big galloper but Paddy was adamant he would love the ground.

"He handled it very well and was the best horse in the field. We'll try and get him qualified for the EBF final at Sandown, he could run well there."

It was winner number 65 for O'Brien, two more than his previous best tally which he set in 2019-20.

O'Brien said: "It's been fantastic and I've been very lucky. We moved to the new yard and you always hope you can hit the ground running. We've had great support from our owners and have a good routine with our staff. I'm very happy with the way things have been going."

Sedgefield specialist

Quirky customer Cybalko earned a third success at Sedgefield this season after prevailing in what essentially became a two-horse race against the Rebecca Menzies-trained Road Warrior.

"He's a funny horse, I've never ridden anything like him before and probably never will again, but he wins," winning jockey Jonathan England told Sky Sports Racing.

"He ran last week at Catterick and after two fences he was going nowhere but we mustn't quibble after that performance."

In-form duo

Evan Williams and Adam Wedge warmed up for a busy Christmas period by combining for a double on the card courtesy of Astra Via in the 2m½f handicap chase and Winds Of Fire in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more

'We're not afraid to run him' - Waiting Patiently set for King George return

'150 is different class' - Doyle reaches another milestone with Lingfield winner

'He looks well up to exploiting his mark' - four horses to note from our experts

Did you know you can bet with your online bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post app? Simply sign in to your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on a racecard to place bets