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German recruit wins on debut for Skelton

3 minute read

Kourosh will have been put into many people’s notebooks following a twenty-one length success for trainer Dan Skelton at Wetherby on Tuesday.

Trainer : Dan Skelton. Picture: Jacob king - PA

Unusually, the juvenile hurdler has been bought out of Germany, having won on the Flat at Dresden and placed second at Hannover over 1m6f in September for previous trainer Bohumil Nedorostek. An exciting prospect for the division, the three-year-old was gelded in mid-October and demonstrated a liking for soft ground at Wetherby.

Ridden by stable jockey Harry Skelton, Kourosh jumped out in front and proceeded to make all, easing to a canter in the final stages to record a twenty-one length victory over Star Turn. Trainer Dan Skelton was pleased with the victory and indicated the Grade 2 Finale at Chepstow on 27 December could be his next target.

"He's a nice horse, from the first time we showed him a hurdle he's wanted to jump which is a great attitude to have for a juvenile," he said.

"He stayed a mile and six in Germany so the trip was never going to be an issue and he handles very soft ground. I think he can take pretty high standing.

"There are a few races worth a few quid in mind and with the laid-back attitude he has I'd have no problem going to Chepstow with him for the Finale. I know there'll be some fancier horses going but they'll need to show their liking for the ground whereas we've got that in our pocket already."