Holloway Queen Shines in Haydock Triumph

Holloway Queen extended her unbeaten streak under rules with a commanding performance in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Purchased for £180,000 after finishing second in a point-to-point, the Nicky Henderson-trained mare had already impressed with a victory over dual bumper winner Jasmine Bliss on her hurdling debut. Stepping up to the Listed class, she justified her status as the 4-5 favourite under Nico de Boinville, who had just one ride on the day.

Content to track the early leader Kelya Wood, De Boinville saw Holloway Queen make a significant mistake at the third-last hurdle, momentarily losing ground. However, her sheer ability was evident as she quickly recovered, moving back upside the leader and gaining control of the race on the approach to the final flight.

Though Fromheretoeternity appeared to be staying on strongly, her late fall at the last left Holloway Queen a decisive 15-length winner, with Kelya Wood in second.

Post-race, De Boinville remarked on her resilience: “We got the third last all wrong, but she recovered beautifully. It’s tough ground, but she thrives on it. She’s got a great character and has been a brilliant find by Jerry McGrath.”

Paddy Power reacted by quoting her at 25-1 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but Henderson suggested her immediate targets may stay on softer ground.

“She’s a remarkable mare,” said Henderson. “Ground like that isn’t usually my preference, but she handled it incredibly well. She made a big mistake, and most horses would struggle to recover, but she was back on the bridle almost instantly.”

“The Jane Seymour Hurdle at Sandown looks like the next logical step. She seems like a stayer, and while the ground is soft, we’ll keep running her. What happens in the spring on better ground remains to be seen, but for now, we’ll stick with what we know works.”

Holloway Queen’s versatility and tenacity mark her as an exciting prospect for the season ahead.