Shades of Midnight sixth at Newbury

Shades of Midnight ran well for a long way in his first attempt at Graded Hurdle level, in the bet365 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury today.

The ground rode a lot faster than the official 'soft', and the slow pace didn't play into our hands either but in all truth our gelding was well beaten. He was with the leading group 4 out, but didn't have any more to give when the pace quickened.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained and after a few weeks rest we'll see what the handicapper does and pinpoint some nice targets for the rest of the season.