Paul Nicholls eyes consecutive Elite Hurdle wins with Rubaud after a commanding Kempton victory, before transitioning to chasing after Wincanton.
Paul Nicholls is focused on achieving consecutive victories in next month's Elite Hurdle with Rubaud, following the six-year-old's impressive performance in Listed company at Kempton, echoing his success last season. Rubaud, who began the last campaign with a win in the TrustATrader Hurdle and later claimed Grade Two victory at Wincanton, is now targeting another Elite Hurdle win before a possible transition to fence racing.
Rubaud started strong last season, securing a second-place behind Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle, but his form slightly declined in the new year. This season, Nicholls intends to target the Elite Hurdle and then shift to chasing thereafter.
Rubaud, favored at 9-4 at Kempton, displayed his skill with Harry Cobden riding, distancing himself from the final hurdle to claim victory by seven and a half lengths ahead of Kihavah. Casa No Mento, the 7-4 favorite, had a disappointing run and was pulled up.
"Many of the horses needed the run, but Rubaud's class was evident," Nicholls told Racing TV. "We've trained him over fences and were planning to go chasing, but with limited opportunities available, we decided to run in this race. We'll probably head to Wincanton next before transitioning to fences."
Although Nicholls admitted that winning another Elite Hurdle might be appealing, he is concentrating on steering clear of competitors like Constitution Hill in Grade One races. He added, "Rubaud jumps fences very well, and I am looking forward to that transition after Wincanton."
