'I wouldn't swap him for anything' - Triumph fancy Tritonic leaves King purring

Anyone thinking next month's JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival was booked for export had better think again after Tritonic delivered an electric display to cement his credentials as the leading home challenger.

Promising Irish four-year-olds Zanahiyr, Quilixios and French Aseel appeared to have a tight grip on the Triumph betting and it did not take long for Fairyhouse winner Teahupoo to earn ante-post quotes.

However, Tritonic – trained near Swindon by Alan King – shot back for the Brits and forced layers to make him the general 4-1 second favourite behind Zanahiyr.

Owned by Max McNeill and Ian Dale, Tritonic had been smart on the Flat, but had the profile for juvenile hurdling and did not disappoint on his jumping debut at Ascot last month.

He had been satisfactory that afternoon, but motored home in the Adonis, leaving King, who arrived in an Aston Martin, purring.

"He's the highest class Flat horse I've sent jumping and his schooling was very good from the start," said King, whose winner came comprehensively clear from Casa Loupi in the hands of Adrian Heskin.

"I don't think he'll come on much fitness-wise from today, but he'll be that bit sharper for the experience.

"The Irish have looked very good, but I certainly wouldn't swap him for anything and am very happy with my lad."

Tritonic and Adrian Heskin ping the final flight to win the Adonis Juvenile HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Second in a Listed race last summer, Tritonic reached a peak of 99 on the Flat, but the not-for-sale sign was quickly put up by connections.

"There were a few offers I think, but I left it up to the owners to deal with," added King, a five-time Adonis winner whose 2005 ace Penzance went on to land the Triumph – which the trainer captured memorably with Katchit two years later.

"We try so hard and Max puts a lot of money in, and horses like him don't come along often. It would have taken a fortune to buy him I think."

McNeill made his fortune via his IT solutions firm Ultima, a sponsor at the Cheltenham Festival, which the owner has long dreamed of making his mark at.

Watch Tritonic's victory in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

He has had Walkon and Grumeti placed in the Triumph and said: "I thought Tritonic was getting out of his comfort zone down the back, but that was quite impressive. We could have carried on on the Flat with him, but I just want to win the Triumph."

That is something King is also aiming for.

"I think you have to go back to Uxizandre in 2015 for our last festival winner," said King, who has made his mark as a dual-purpose trainer in recent years, but has not forgotten his roots.

"I had a lovely spell in 2004 to 2006 when we were doing very well at Cheltenham – I'm missing it."

Which is exactly why a 16th winner at the festival for King would be a real triumph.

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