Cheltenham: Hermes Allen fleetest of foot in Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

Hermes Allen put up a sparkling performance to remain unbeaten since joining Paul Nicholls in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Bought for £350,000 having won an Irish point-to-point, he was a facile winner on his debut for Nicholls at Stratford in October.

This Grade Two represented an altogether different test, however, as both Willie Mullins with Hubrisko and Gordon Elliott in the shape of Music Drive were represented – along with Nigel Twiston-Davies’ promising bumper winner Weveallbeencaught.

Sent off a 9-4 chance, Harry Cobden was keen to make it a real contest on the five-year-old and ensured a decent pace throughout but coming down the hill racing towards the second-last the Irish challengers loomed large.

Nicholls can do little wrong at present, though, and Paul Townend was soon off the bridle on Hubrisko and fading while Music Drive could not get on terms either.

Hermes Allen bounded clear to win by nine lengths and Paddy Power cut the winner to 8-1 from 20s for the Ballymore in March.

Wow! Foot-perfect Hermes Allen simply dazzles in the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle @CheltenhamRaces for @PFNicholls and @CobdenHarry