GREAT RESULT FOR KHYBER KIM

January 20 2010

Khyber Kim - came from last to first.

Nigel Twiston-Davies' Khyber Kim was produced with a perfectly-timed challenge by Paddy Brennan to secure his first win in almost two years in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 9-1 chance was ridden with confidence throughout the two-mile contest and was still at the rear of the field approaching the third-last.

The seven-year-old cruised through to take fourth on the run to the final flight and Brennan coaxed his mount into the lead on the run-in to score by two lengths from Harry Tricker.

Brennan said: "The whole way round I was thinking Nigel will be going mental as they were hacking, but I had to hold him up as I got there an hour too soon at Newbury first time out last season.

"I said on the way out I'll either be a hero or I'll get the sack but it worked out well.

"He's got lovely owners and a great turn of foot."

Twiston-Davies said: "It was a brilliant ride. The horse is a complete monkey and he tries when he wants.

"We'll keep him going and he's in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, although that could be a bit close.

"We'll keep our eyes open and maybe if it doesn't work, we could save him for the Festival."

Jockey Andrew Glassonbury said of the runner-up: "I am disappointed not to have won but he has been beaten by a better horse on the day.

"I could have done with a better pace, but was in a good position given that they have gone slowly."

Alan King said of the third: "I am thrilled with him and he has run a smashing race.

"Mine are coming on for the run but that was a great effort at the weights.

"He hasn't schooled yet but he will now go novice chasing and I am very excited about that.

"He'll have a week off now and I'd hope he'll have his first start over fences before Christmas."