As the National Hunt season revs up this weekend, Fergal O'Brien is eager to make a strong start with Ryan's Rocket in the Unibet Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday. This Grade Two race boasts a prestigious roll of honour, with previous winners including the likes of Bonanza Boy, Monsignor, Silviniaco Conti, and Blaklion.
O’Brien has tasted success in this event twice before, with Poetic Rhythm and Accidental Rebel, and he’s optimistic about Ryan’s Rocket, a six-year-old owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Club. "We’re delighted with Ryan’s Rocket," O'Brien told Sky Sports Racing. "After his win at Kempton, we spoke to Noel and David Crosse (racing manager) and made this race the long-term plan."
O’Brien is confident that the horse is well-prepared, having returned to training earlier than some of his stablemates. "Noel got him going before he came to us, and he’s done plenty of work. We’re really happy with him," he said. Joking about the jockey's role, he added, "Johnny (Burke) won on him at Kempton, and he’s done a lot of work with him, so if he gets beat, it’s Johnny’s fault!"
O’Brien is not overly concerned about the ground or trip, believing the horse has strengthened this year, thanks to the patience of the owners. "We’re looking forward to seeing him run and going there with a bit of hope," he concluded.
Another strong contender is John McConnell’s Intense Approach, which, despite some early hurdles and challenges, is highly regarded. "He’s probably the best worker we’ve ever had, but we didn’t quite get it right with his initial hurdle runs," McConnell said. "His jumping still needs work, but he’s improving, and if he puts it together, he’ll be tough to beat."
McConnell is optimistic that Intense Approach, with a mark of 130, will be competitive. "We hope he’s better than his mark suggests. His work at home says he is. Since it’s early in the season, the Grade Two might not be as strong, so we’re having a crack at it."
Other notable entries include Dan Skelton’s maiden Juventus De Brion, who is well-fancied, and Flying Fortune, a promising runner from Michael and Peter Bowen’s yard.