Betting
CHELTENHAM REWIND | Harry Bannister & For Pleasure claim the Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle
On Harry Bannister’s 27th Birthday, we take a look at his biggest Cheltenham success to date
To celebrate Harry Bannister turning 27, today’s rewind focuses on the jockey’s success with For Pleasure in the Grade 2 Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at the November Meeting at Cheltenham.
The gelding, who is an ex-flat runner, had shown gradual progress throughout the previous summer and was making the step up into Graded company for the first time.
The then five-year-old took a keen hold from the start and was allowed to romp clear from his rivals in the early stages.
Alex Hales’ recruit was as far as 20 lengths clear by the third fence and he remained a respectable distance throughout the contest,
Coming into the home straight, For Pleasure still held a five-length advantage but market favourite Third Time Lucki was beginning to challenge him.
But Hales’ gelding found more in the run-in and landed victory by three and three quarter lengths.
For Pleasure went on to place third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before finishing fifth in the Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.
