Raise a glass to Restless Harry

Restless Harry: An impressive winner at Wetherby

Robin Dickin's Restless Harry ran them ragged in the John Smith's Hurdle at Wetherby.

A useful novice hurdler who ran a series of fine races in the face of tough tasks last season, the seven year old produced a fine display on his seasonal term to record a wide margin success under Henry Oliver.

Setlled in second behind Fair Along - the winner of the last two renewals - Oliver joined Philip Hobbs' runners at the head of affairs as they set out on the final circuit.

Taking the running up before rounding the term for home Restless Harry - whose novice chasing career had been put on hold due to the fast ground - soon had the measure of the pacemaker.

Nothing else threatened to get into the Grade Two contest from off the pace and Oliver's mount come home 20 lengths to the good of Fair Along with What A Friend a further 15 lengths back in third.

Sky's The Limit

"I always thought he could win one of these races and we delayed going chasing for today," said Dickin.

"The ground has been so hard at home I just haven't been able to school him on the grass, but almost certainly his next run will be over fences.

"The sky is the limit if he takes to fences and on heavy ground I wouldn't rule him out of the Arkle."

Sarah Hobbs, wife of trainer Philip, said of Fair Along: "The winner is two years younger and was getting weight.

"We're thrilled with him again but he's better off over fences so he'll probably go back in a handicap chase next."