The Real Article takes WKD Hurdle

Trainer Edward O’Grady combined with jockey Barry Geraghty to complete a big race double at Down Royal today with The Real Article which was adding the featured Grade 2 WKD Hurdle to an earlier Grade 3 win for the pair.

The Real Article came under pressure before the straight but rallied well under Geraghty to eventually get his head in front in the closing stages, for a length and a quarter win over Kalann

Afterwards O’Grady stated “I’m delighted with that and the horse is a credit to all my staff and everyone concerned who had an input in getting him back to form. He has had his problems and the reality was that last spring we were nowhere with him – the sad thing was, he only had one race in his novice year and that was very frustrating.”

“We have the luxury now of either giving him a break and prepare him for a spring campaign or else going for races like the Hattons Grace or Fighting Fifth Hurdles. I’ll discuss things with Barry (Geraghty) before making firm plans and, at this moment, I couldn’t say he won’t make a Champion Hurdler.”

Connections of last year's top novice Oscars Well can themselves have taken encouragement from the gelding's reappearance in third, having appeared to blow up having come with a winning chance at the second last flight.

Ladbrokes subsequently cut The Real Article to 25/1 for the Champion Hurdle while also making Oscars Well a 20/1 chance.