Panoramic Hurdle result: Wilful digs deep to land Listed prize at Carlisle

Last season’s County Hurdle hero Wilful made a winning return in the Listed Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle on Thursday, digging deep under Jonjo O’Neill Jr to hold off Mirabad by three-quarters of a length at 3/1 for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill.

The Fitri Hay-owned runner had plenty to live up to on his seasonal reappearance. He landed the County Hurdle at 14/1 at the Cheltenham Festival in March, then ran a huge race when third behind Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on his first try at the top level.

Wilful digs deep at Carlisle

Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace, who had finished second to Lossiemouth in that Punchestown Champion Hurdle, was sent off the 11/4 favourite to reverse the placings. The pair looked to have it between them at the last after a slow-run but thrilling contest, and it was Wilful who asserted on the run-in.

The race was far from over, though. Harry Skelton conjured a late charge from Mirabad, and for a few strides it looked as though Dan Skelton’s runner might snatch it on the line. Wilful was not to be denied, however, with O’Neill Jr driving him out to hold on, with Golden Ace a further three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third and Paul Nicholls’ Rubaud fourth.

In a race that turned into a dash from the last, the way Wilful knuckled down speaks volumes for his toughness. Having risen from a mark of 121 to 152 in little more than 12 months, the son of Westerner has improved beyond recognition, and he looks capable of mixing it in the season’s top two-mile hurdles.

Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.