Hemmings could Hedge his bets

Preston North End owner Trevor Hemmings may be forced into a re-think about putting one of his horses on the '˜transfer-list'.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Apr 2017, 14:55 BST

Updated 9th May 2017, 18:26 BST

Willoughby Hedge in action (Photo: Brian Clark)

Willoughby Hedge looked to be surplus to requirements, but that was before his victory at lucrative odds of 25-1 in the Challenger Two Mile Handicap Hurdle Series Final at Haydock Park on Saturday.

The horse put a poor performance on his most recent start behind him to spring a surprise win at the Lancashire track. Trainer Alan King’s charge mounted his bid four fences from home and just denied Regal Flow by a neck under a strong drive from jockey Wayne Hutchinson.

Hemmings was not present at Haydock, but his trainer said: “The blinkers first time have helped. He was very good with a visor first time, then he disappointed at Sandown

“He got into a good rhythm so he was always going to run well after that. I’m delighted.He was going to the sales but we’ll have to think about it now,” King added.