Expectation is now greater for Twiston-Davies

Now there is a pressure of expectation after he was chosen by Paul Nicholls to become the champion trainer’s retained jockey in succession to Ruby Walsh, widely regarded as National Hunt racing’s finest big race rider.

His last-gasp victory in the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham 10 days ago aboard the fast finishing Caid Du Berlais showed that he is more than up to the job.

Yet, 24 hours later, the outcome was different – a narrow defeat on novice chase prospect Vibrato Valtat was a gentle reminder to the 22-year-old that there is no hiding place in one of racing’s most high-profile and pressurised jobs.

And the relief was tangible 
after Twiston-Davies partnered his father Nigel’s The New One to victory in Haydock’s Betfair Price Rush Hurdle on Saturday.

Under his contract, the young jockey is still allowed to partner The New One, who was an unlucky third in last season’s Champion Hurdle when badly hampered by the fall of the ill-fated Our Conor.

He knows that this is, potentially, the best horse to pass through the stables of his father who has already saddled two Grand National winners in mudlarks Earth Summit and Bindaree as well as a memorable 2010 Gold Cup courtesy of Imperial Commander.

And he was just relieved that the odds-on favourite won this five-runner test and showed a better aptitude for hurdling than on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton.

The post-race banter between father and son masked the jockey’s relief that The New One is still a leading contender for next year’s Champion Hurdle.

“He was very good. He went out a touch to his right which we can iron out at home, but his jumping was a lot better,” said Twiston-Davies who shows, on a daily basis, the levels of maturity and professionalism associated with seasoned veterans.

“At Kempton he was a little bit ignorant and has obviously done a little bit more at home just to give the hurdles a bit more respect. He showed it worked and he jumped well on the whole.

“It was good Zamdy Man was going to make it a true gallop and stretch you out. Looking at the form, you know Zamdy Man was going to take you way up the straight and ideally take us all the way down to the last and my horse picked up well from there.

“With him it’s a relief. The Champion Hurdle is one of the few races I do enjoy riding him in because you have three or four other fancied ones and the pressure is off you a little bit.

“When you ride in races and he’s 1-3, the race is mine to lose so when it does go right it’s a relief and I’m delighted for the team at home and Dad as well. He’s stronger this year. He was very good and if he can do similar to last season we’ll be very happy.”

Twiston-Davies could partner the Nicholls-trained Rocky Creek, a leading prospect for next year’s National, in Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The favourite is the lightly-raced Djakadam. He represents trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Ruby Walsh and owner Rich Ricci, who were buoyed by the successful reappearances at the weekend of Cheltenham Festival winners Vautour and Faugheen.

Kim Bailey is considering a crack at either the Coral Welsh National or the Lexus Chase with 2013 Charlie Hall Chase winner Harry Topper.

The seven-year-old was pulled up on his seasonal return in the Betfair Chase.

“For him to be at his very best in those sort of fields, then he has to have the worst of ground. The softer and slower the better. There will be other days, but monsoon conditions will be needed,” he said.

Plans to send top prospect Seeyouatmidnight novice chasing have been shelved after a slight training setback.

However, trainer Sandy Thomson says his stable star, who enjoyed so much success last season under 2013 Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania, should be back on the track in the New Year.

A couple of minor issues have delayed his campaign and when he does return it will be over timber. “He’s just had one or two bits and pieces which have held him up. He’s just growing, I think,” said Thomson, who is based in the Scottish Borders.

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