Allmankind powers to Grade 1 glory at Chepstow!

Allmankind produced a devastating front-running display to land the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow.

The Dan Skelton-trained three-year-old had looked an exciting recruit when winning his first two starts over jumps, and confirmed that impression with an outstanding performance.

As expected, Harry Skelton sent Allmankind to the front, although he did have Nordano for company until the leader kicked on before the turn for home.

The chasing pack, headed by Cerberus, tried to close the gap, but the Irish raider could not get in a blow.

Allmankind kept up the gallop and the 6-5 favourite crossed the line nine lengths clear of Cerberus, with Nordano plugging on for third, another nine lengths away.

“I was really relaxed watching him, especially when he went up the hill when Harry got hold of him,” the winning trainer told Sky Sports Racing. “I knew if Harry asked him to extend he would do so, and I thought he gave him a magic ride.

“The horse has got a great attitude. He loves to run.”

The winning rider said: “I couldn’t believe how he picked up from three out – not many horses give you a feel like that.

“When we went up the hill he dropped the bridle a bit. When we went down the hill he took over and I thought, ‘they aren’t going to catch him now’.

“From three out, for a three-year-old to pick up like that it’s pretty good.”

Allmankind was slashed to 8-1 from 16-1 with Betfair for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.