O’Brien’s gelding can be Real deal on hurdles bow

IS THIS For Real can make an impression on his hurdling debut in the Tractor Drivers Go Free Today! Maiden Hurdle at Market Rasen.

- By MOLLY HUNTER

Is This For Real trainer Fergal O'Brien

Trained by Fergal O'Brien for Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom, the gelding won a point-to-point start for Georgina Ellis before changing hands and making his debut under rules with defeat in a bumper at Aintree on Boxing Day.

He ran once more last season when looking far more the ticket in a Kelso bumper in March, prevailing by three-quarters of a length over two miles.

‘The five-year-old will be faced with a hurdle in public for the first time at Market Rasen but having shown clear signs of ability alongside the experience of his point-to-point run, he has the attributes to make his first try a winning one.