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Al Ferof thrills Shropshire owner John Hales
Monday 14th November 2011, 10:59AM GMT.
Winner’s delight – John Hales and grandson Oliver with jockey Ruby Walsh and Al Ferof after the horse’s impressive victory at Cheltenham
Shropshire owner John Hales today praised a “terrific” chasing debut for Al Ferof as the classy performer took his first step towards a Cheltenham Festival double.
Last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner earned a quote as short as 5-1 for the 2012 Arkle Chase at the Festival after a fine display at Cheltenham yesterday.
Al Ferof ran out a mightily impressive winner of the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase in his first run over the bigger obstacles.
And Cosford-based Hales was thrilled with his charge’s display under leading jockey Ruby Walsh.
“It was a terrific performance and I’m absolutely delighted,” he said.
“His jumping was very good and he has beaten horses who aren’t mugs by quite a distance.
“He has got awesome speed and the target is definitely the Arkle.
“We might not see him again before Christmas. We will discuss it this week but he could go back to Cheltenham in the New Year.”
Al Ferof looks set to be on a Festival collision course with Peddlers Cross – owned by another Shropshire businessman Tim Leslie – who also caught the eye in a straight-forward victory on his chase debut at Bangor last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Hales confirmed that his most recent big-money recruit Italian Master is set for his first run for his new owner in a Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock on Friday.
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