Golden Doyen

Golden Doyen put up a really likeable performance to win the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham on Saturday. Philip Hobbs’ horse came under pressure on the run down the hill, Hargam travelled decidedly better than him on the run to the final flight. It was a strange finish to the race, because Golden Doyen jumped the final flight well and looked the likely winner as he set off up the run-in. Then Hargam picked up well out in the centre, and he looked the likely winner, before the Hobbs horse’s gritty determination kicked in on the stands rail and he powered on to win well.

The winner’s attitude impressed. He stuck his head out and battled gallantly up the run-in to win well and, as soon as he passed the winning line, he pricked his ears and looked around him, leaving the impression that he had more energy left.

Winner of a juvenile race in France last October, he kicked off his hurdling career by running Karezak to a head at Chepstow in October, the pair of them miles clear. After that, the Doyen gelding won easily at long odds-on at Warwick, but Saturday’s performance was another step forward. He is by Doyen, so he probably appreciated getting his toe in a little on Saturday, but his attitude will stand to him as the season develops, and it will be a serious asset if he takes his chance in the Triumph Hurdle.

15th November 2014