What A Warrior
Tue 19 Dec 2023
WINNER 111 OF 2023: FIERCE WARRIOR, trained by Nicky Henderson OBE and ridden by Nico de Boinville: The 'Eleanor Hunnisett Memorial Maiden Hurdle' over 2m 4.5f at Plumpton.
Winning a Bumper on his second start, this was his second start over hurdles, after being a little green over obstacles for the first time.
Setting off to the fore, he took a narrow lead and was jumping well. Nico increased the tempo before 4 out and he was challenged soon after. Headed after 3 out, he rallied well and led again after jumping the second last and just needed to be ridden in the run-in and kept on well, winning with ears pricked, by 2 and 3/4 lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Plumpton/18-December-2023/1340
Nico said in his post race interview: "He was very green last time out on hurdles debut but here he did well; staying on and battling back coming into the straight. The better ground suited him too and his jumping has improved with experience."
Timeform rated it as a career best 106 performance, saying: "Improved on his hurdling debut form straight away switched to a right-handed track, proving much more straightforward and also benefiting from a step up in trip; led, not fluent fifth, headed after 3 out, rallied to lead between last 2, ridden out.”
See the official photo gallery here: Plumpton race day images
Our National Hunt manager Tom, says: "Congratulations to his owners on his fine victory, where he showed a great attitude to regain the lead and pricked his ears at the line. His jumping, bar one mistake was very good. We'll have a think about where he goes next - a novice under a penalty or up in grade, but for now he has won over both codes that we've sent him over and that's a good CV!"
You could be part of his syndicate! Just 10% of shares are available in this Bumper and Hurdle winner, with the master of Seven Barrows: https://www.middlehamparkracing.net/horses/view,fierce-warrior-by-sholokhov_1458.htm