A blockbuster edition of the 2026 Turners Novices’ Hurdle went the way of King Rasko Grey. He was a rare double-figure price winner for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Attracting one of the largest fields in modern history, the Turners was billed to be an unmissable event. Mighty Park was a notable omission, but it was a puzzle nonetheless to whittle down the six Closutton bullets.
The winner was always prominent, ultimately staying on best up the hill as Act Of Innocence could only manage second after a game run for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville. Third place went the way of Zeus Power ahead of Soldier Reeves, both big outsiders, in what was a thrilling and open renewal of the Turners.
King Rasko Grey stars in bumper renewal
Whittling down the 21-runner field was no mean feat for punters in what promised to be a race for the ages. Paul Nicholls was yet to win the race, and but was once again in pole position with the unbeaten No Drama This End. However, his horse, billed as comparable to Denman, was never travelling. The clear favourite was pulled up before the last.
Connections of Act Of Innocence were looking to make it an opening Tuesday and Wednesday double after Old Park Star’s Supreme success. The failure of the Irish to turn up in the Supreme affected the Turners market, with several intertwining form-lines on show.
The Closutton pecking order looked far from established this season, such was the case in deciphering his Turners’ sextet. Royal Ascot-winner Sober was the mount of Paddy Mullins, while Paul Townend got the leg up on King Rasko Grey.
As is so often the case, Townend selected correctly. Always in a good position, he and Act Of Innocence were neck and neck approaching the last.
It was soon apparent King Rasko Grey had saved a little extra and was clear in a bunched finish.
Turners Novices’ Hurdle result
| POS | HORSE | PRICE |
| 1st | King Rasko Grey | 11/1 |
| 2nd | Act Of Innocence | 10/1 |
| 3rd | Zeus Power | 50/1 |
| 4th | Soldier Reeves | 150/1 |