Young Twiston-Davies faces Walsh challenge

He will have to be if he is to beat Pont Alexandre, the leading Irish hope, in the Neptune Investment Hurdle. This is a horse that in-form trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh nominated as their Festival banker, and that was before Hurricane Fly’s historic Champion Hurdle win yesterday.

The New One prevailed over course and distance in the autumn and was only narrowly denied at the track in late January when Twiston-Davies jnr admitted that he misjudged the tactics.

Today’s race will also enable Twiston-Davies, the rising star of the weighing room, to test his tactical acumen against Walsh, who continues to set new benchmarks of greatness.

“Everything he has done we’ve been very happy with,” said the young rider.

“We probably learned more in defeat last time than we would have ever learned by winning. We know him inside out now.

“Our fellow is very tough but he just got outstayed that day, we’re not making excuses, but on better ground at the Festival we see that as a positive.

“Obviously we have Pont Alexandre to beat and he looks very good and he’s a massive worry, but we can’t just ignore the others as well – it will be very competitive and we can’t take anything lightly.”

As for the jockey’s father, Twiston-Davies snr said: “He’s all set and he’s in very good form. We’re looking forward to it.

“I’m not worried about the ground or the opposition.”

This could be just the beginning of a fascinating Anglo-Irish rivalry between The New One and Pont Alexandre; both are likely to be sent novice chasing next season.

Meanwhile, Chatterbox is a fascinating contender for Nicky Henderson, and carries the colours of Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth.

The five-year-old is unbeaten in three career starts and claimed the notable scalp of stablemate My Tent Or Yours in December.