Tommy Cullen

Tommy Cullen did well to finish off his race as well as he did, to finish a close-up third behind Hall Lane, in the two-and-a-half-mile novices’ hurdle at Wetherby last Saturday, given how keen he was for most of the race. Prominent from early behind breakaway leader Hurricane Bay, and racing along the inside, he was keen through the early stages of the race, and he was still keen as they raced to the end of the back straight. Third into the home straight, he moved up to join Hurricane Bay and Joe Dadancer in the front rank at the third last flight, and he just about landed in front over the second last. He was passed by Hall Lane on his inside on the run to the last, but he rallied again on the far side on the run-in. Ultimately, he tired close home, but he was still only beaten a total of less than three lengths.

This was a big run by Charlie Longsdon’s horse on his hurdling debut. Zero for three in point-to-points and well beaten in a bumper at Worcester in early October on his debut under Rules when he was sent off as favourite, he was sent off at a big price here, and he probably traded at an even bigger price in-running, given how keenly he raced. He should be able to step forward from this now when he learns to settle better. He is bred to get further too, so he will be of interest stepped up in trip when he learns to settle.
Wetherby, 29^th October 2022