Exciting Debut Rules Win For Unbeaten Crystal Ocean Gelding

Crystal Island (4g Crystal Ocean - Je T'Aime, by Heron Island) looked another exciting prospect for Crystal Ocean when running out a four-length winner over hurdles at Ascot on Friday.

The gelding was making his rules debut after running out an easy scorer of his sole point-to-point at Rathcannon for Eamonn Doyle in April. He subsequently sold to Jerry McGrath for £205,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Crystal Island was in touch with the leaders under Nico de Boinville and the pair made headway from three flights out. Crystal Island took up the lead at the last hurdle and stayed on well for a comfortable win.

Henderson said: “It was a good performance. I thought he looked awfully big in the paddock, but he's a big baby and was pretty green about the whole thing. He'd have learned a hell of a lot after today, and he'll be very nice.

"These are lovely tracks for their debut, and he didn't seem to mind the ground. He's a chaser for the future and there's no doubt he'll be jumping fences soon."

The son of Crystal Ocean was bred by K D Cotter.