NICKY HENDERSON’S most expensive jumps horse in the world won on debut – but punters said there was ‘nothing pretty about it’.
Palladium, who was bought for £1.2million, was a massive market drifter before the start of a 2m maiden hurdle at Huntingdon.
Owned by billionaire Lady Bamford, Palladium, who was getting weight from all his rivals, ballooned one or two hurdles and was made to work by jockey Nico de Boinville in the closing stages.
Ben Pauling’s 50-1 runner-up Wolf Moon got within a couple of lengths by the line with the well-backed Jack Hyde a further eight-and-a-half lengths back.
Palladium, who won the German Derby last summer, was 2-9 at morning prices but had gone all the way out to 8-15 by the off.
And bookies Paddy Power pushed him out from 12-1 to 16s for the Triumph Hurdle after his debut win, unconvinced he has what it takes to win at the Cheltenham Festival.
Henderson has the current Triumph favourite in the shape of 6-4 Lulamba.
Commenting on Palladium’s win, Racing TV host Anthony Dunkley said: “Palladium has won but there was nothing pretty about it.
“Was it polished? No. Was it professional? Enough to get off the mark.”
More to follow.
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