No Drama This End delivered another polished performance at Sandown on Friday, cruising to a five-length success in the Grade Two Winter Novices’ Hurdle and reinforcing the strong impressions he has made since switching to hurdles. His latest win came just under three weeks after his Cheltenham debut, and he once again travelled with authority under Harry Cobden to account for a field that never truly threatened him.
Trained by Paul Nicholls for the Barber family and Max McNeill, the grey showed maturity beyond his experience as he absorbed a 5lb penalty and still drew clear without Cobden having to ask for much. Nicholls later explained that this engagement had not always been the plan. “We had decided to go straight for the Challow after he won at Cheltenham,” he said. “But we looked at this race, liked the fit, and he won it very nicely.”
The trainer emphasised that the remainder of the season will be guided by conditions and the horse’s wellbeing. “The Challow is an option but not essential. Cheltenham is a nice long-term aim if the ground is right, and we can always work something in between. We’ll see how he is over the next three weeks.”
For the Barbers, the win carried personal resonance. Giles Barber reflected on the longstanding partnership with Nicholls. “My father would have loved this horse,” he said. “He enjoyed the challenge of finding a young horse and watching it develop. This is exactly the stage he relished.”
McNeill, meanwhile, admitted the race had stirred more nerves than expected. “I don’t think I’ve been as nervous on a racecourse for a long time,” he said. “It’s exciting to have a horse like this alongside the Barbers. I’ve had some nice horses, but I don’t think I’ve had one as exciting as this.”
Nicholls and Cobden later added a second winner when Welcom To Cartries landed the three-mile Bet At Your Best Handicap Chase, completing a productive afternoon for the yard.
Supporting Contests Add Depth to Sandown Card
The second Grade Two of the afternoon, the Esher Novices’ Chase, went to Salver, who formed the middle leg of a 39-1 double for joint-trainers Gary and Josh Moore and jockey Caoilin Quinn. Patiently ridden, Salver swept past long-time leader Doyen Quest approaching the last and surged clear by 12 lengths.
Gary Moore admitted his initial surprise at how well the five-year-old saw out the trip. “I didn’t think he would stay,” he said. “But fair play to his owner for wanting to try it. If he stays round here, he’ll stay anywhere.”
The Moores and Quinn had earlier opened their account when Macktoad impressed in the Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair Introductory Juvenile Hurdle. The grey travelled strongly through the race and asserted late to beat fellow joint favourite Pourquoi Pas Papa by three and a quarter lengths.
“I liked that,” Moore said. “He finished his race off well and we’ll see what the next option is. He could go for another introductory hurdle or something like the Finale at Chepstow.”
Across Earth completed the treble for the Moores and Quinn when winning the concluding Betfair Podcasts Handicap Hurdle.
These performances rounded out a strong opening day at Sandown, with the feature race providing the standout moment as No Drama This End continued to build his reputation — a result that will draw close attention when reviewing the Winter Novices Hurdle results.
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