CHAMPION HURDLE contender The New One who has won more than half a million pounds in prize money and took his race record to 13 wins in 18 races on Saturday at Cheltenham, does not get the recognition he deserves, according to his Naunton-based trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The New One gave 8lb and a four-and-a-half-length beating to Supreme Novices' Hurdle third Vaniteux in the stanjames.com International Hurdle to continue his preparation for the Cheltenham showpiece in March when much-vaunted Irish-trained Faugheen is likely to be his sternest competition.

The New One was third in last season's Festival feature when he was badly hampered by the early fatal fall of Our Conor.

"Just because he's British, it doesn't mean he's not very good," said Twiston-Davies.

"He was unlucky in the Champion Hurdle last year and apart from meeting the last wrong at Kempton (in the Christmas Hurdle), he would probably have won there, too.

"I may be wrong but all Faugheen's form is over further. Does he have a turn of foot like this horse? Hopefully, he'll give us a nice tow into the race and we'll gently quicken past him."

The New One was ridden by the trainer’s son Sam, who said: "He's excellent. Coming into the race, we had to win it to become a Champion Hurdle contender.

"He wasn't flashy, but when he comes to the track he does what he needs to."

Ryan Hatch revelled in the role as super-sub, riding a second big Twiston-Davies stable winner on the card when Blaklion lifted the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

It was a double for lucky owner Sarah Such, whose red colours were also carried by The New One.

With Sam Twiston-Davies claimed to ride Port Melon for his boss Paul Nicholls, Jamie Moore had been booked to partner the promising Blaklion, but he took a heavy fall in the previous race and Hatch was called on to substitute.

Hatch and Blaklion easily seized control and galloped clear over the last two flights to win by 11 lengths.

Hatch said: "Thanks to Nigel and the owners. Someone has to ride him and luckily it was me. I'm delighted.

"I thought he was maybe travelling a bit too well but he has a touch of class and I gave him a kick in the belly and he took off.”

The feature handicap chase on the card, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, had a surprise 16-1 winner in Niceonefrankie.

Venetia Williams' eight-year-old jumped his rivals into submission under Aidan Coleman.

Niceonefrankie was at the front for a long way and though he grew weary late on, he was still six lengths too strong for Barrakilla at the finish.

Twiston-Davies’ chance of a big-race treble went awry when Splash Of Ginge, who travelled well for a long way, fell four out when yet to be asked for his challenge to long-time leader Niceonefrankie.