Unibet Greatwood Hurdle
Grade 3 Handicap, Cheltenham 15:30
£100,000 guaranteed,
4yo plus,
2m 150yds, Class 1  
Sunday 17th November 2024

BetGoodwin

1 Burnett Road 7/2
2 Be Aware 17/2
3 Dysart Enos 85/40F
15 ran NR: Anyharminasking Distances: ½l, 3l, 3½l
Time: 3m 59.08s (slow by 10.08s)

Burdett Road displayed remarkable tenacity to ignite hopes for a future Champion Hurdle bid. The 7-2 chance, trained by James Owen, powered clear three hurdles out alongside market leader Dysart Enos, and took control turning into the home straight. Despite a late challenge from Be Aware, Harry Cobden maintained control, guiding Burdett Road to a half-length victory.

Trainer James Owen, whose East India Dock impressed on Saturday, said, “It was a great performance. Tim (Gredley) and I decided to change tactics, learning a lot from his Flat runs, and opted to make the running. He settled beautifully, and Harry gave him a fantastic ride. He jumped impeccably for a four-year-old and was just idling up the hill. When the other horse came at him, he went again. He’s a lovely horse and did a great job in a strong race. We’re excited for the rest of the season, especially as he prefers softer ground.”

Regarding Champion Hurdle aspirations, Owen added, “It’s still a long way off, but based on his Flat form, he’s more than capable of getting there. We’ll aim for a graded race next. It’s lovely to have such good horses and do a great job for the Gredley family. We have a strong team at home, and it’s a shame Tim and the family couldn’t be here, but I’m sure they’re cheering us on.”

Burdett Road's career highlights include winning his first two starts over hurdles last season before finishing second to Sir Gino and missing the Triumph at the Festival. He rebounded with a successful summer Flat campaign, including a decisive Listed win at Newmarket.

Jockey Harry Cobden praised Owen's work, saying, “All credit to James for the job he’s done with this horse. Today, he said there was no speed in the race, so we decided to go for it. The horse settled nicely, jumped great, and found plenty when needed. He’s improved a lot, especially on the Flat this summer. We have to consider him for the Champion Hurdle now, as he’s almost out of options in handicaps.”

Burdett Road’s victory sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, with connections dreaming of Champion Hurdle glory.

QuinnBet

Unibet Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap)
£100,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 87y
15 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Burdett Road 4 11-10 James Owen Harry Cobden 7/2
2 ½ Be Aware 5 11-7 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 17/2
3 3 Dysart Enos 6 11-8 Fergal O'Brien Jonathan Burke 85/40F
4 3½ Tintintin 5 11-3 Fergal O'Brien Jack Hogan 33/1
5 4½ Florida Dreams 6 11-4 Nicky Richards Danny McMenamin 16/1
6 ½ Fiercely Proud 5 11-6 Ben Pauling Ben Jones 16/1
7 ½ Toll Stone 4 10-12 Emmet Mullins Adam Wedge 33/1
8 2 Jacovec Cavern 5 11-3 Emmet Mullins Donagh Meyler 22/1
9 4½ Go Dante 8 11-11 Olly Murphy Sean Bowen 12/1
10 13 Cracking Rhapsody 5 11-6 Ewan Whillans Craig Nichol 33/1
11 1 Royal Way 4 11-1 Gary & Josh Moore Niall Houlihan 22/1
12 1 Black Poppy 8 11-7 Kerry Lee Liam Harrison 22/1
13 8 Teddy Blue 6 11-4 Harry Derham Paul O'Brien 9/1
FELL Napper Tandy 6 11-3 Matthew J Smith James Smith 66/1
PU Under Control 5 12-0 Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 11/1
NR Anyharminasking 7 11-12 Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jr NON RUNNER