POETIC RHYTHM (IRE) gained a valuable Grade 1 win in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday. Ridden by jockey Paddy Brennan, he was slightly outpaced from the end of the back straight, but reacted well to pressure to take second approaching the last and led soon after. Battling gallantly, he held off a challenge from the rallying runner-up Mulcahys Hill (IRE) to win by a short head.

Providing trainer Fergal O’Brien with his first Grade 1 winner was surely priceless, though €27,000 bought POETIC RHYTHM (IRE) at the Tattersalls Derby Sale as a store. Bred by Vincent Finn, he is a son of Beeches Stud sire Flemensfirth out of a half-sister to Grade 2 winner over hurdles Bog Frog (IRE).

POETIC RHYTHM (IRE) was the winner of a point-to-point in 2011 for Roisin Hickey.