Punters fume at ‘horrendous’ tactics at the start of Brighterdaysahead’s astonishing 31-length win over State Man

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD demolished Champion Hurdle king State Man in an amazing Neville Hotels Hurdle – but punters were left fuming about the ‘horrendous’ tactics at the start. Paul Townend appeared to be caught sleeping as Sam Ewing on the winner and Danny Gilligan on pacemaker King Of Kingsfield hared off in front. Some punters thought Paul Townend was caught sleeping on State Man, in the yellow and black silks at the back, as winner Brighterdaysahead stole a few lengths at the start – and never let up in an amazing 30-length win The winner and pacemaker were a long way in front by the time they had jumped the first Wow Brighterdaysahead wins the Neville Hotels Hurdle in splendid isolation! @gelliott_racing @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/JMIHlbkoR0— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 29, 2024 That left the rest of the six-runner field, including State Man, trailing miles behind from the very get go.