Grade 1 glory beckons for Botox Has

Botox Has could attempt Grade 1 company for the first time in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on 23 December.

Botox Has and Caolin Quinn (white and green) on his way to winning The Betfair Exchange Stayes’ Handicap Hurdle Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Absent for 280 days following a fourth in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle in January, Botox Has made a winning return in Saturday's Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby. Ridden by Caoilin Quinn, the Gary Moore-trained gelding did not appear to lack for race fitness when battling hard for a one-length victory over Red Risk.

"It was good to see him back on form, he's a big-hearted horse who tries really hard," said Moore.

"It worried me when he made a mistake two out, but he stuck to his guns and won quite well in the end."

"I hope to train him for the Long Walk Hurdle now, that's what I hope the plan will be.

"Whether he won the other day because he was fitter than the rest of them and because he had been trained for that race, I don't know? He always does run well fresh, but I hope he can improve on that.

"It's probably not quite the strongest division there is."

Botox Has is an experienced Graded performer, with two Grade 2 victories to his name, but has never been tried at the top level.


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