Nigel Twiston-Davies was quick to describe Idalko Bihoue as ‘very exciting’ after the five-year-old got off the mark over fences with a near flawless round of jumping in the 2023 Thoroughbred Census Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Cheltenham today, day one of The Showcase.

After losing the services of Grade Two-winning hurdler I Like To Move It on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter, a day which the Naunton handler claimed was the ‘worst racing day of his life’, the Grand National-winning trainer was in a more jubilant mood following the victory of the Balko gelding. 

Having finished third in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December the Anne-Marie and Jamie Shepperd-owned runner then failed to complete two of his final three starts last season before unseating Sam Twiston-Davies on his chasing debut at Warwick 22 days ago. 

However, there were no jumping issues on this occasion with the 5-1 chance showing exactly what he is capable of when putting in a clear round in the two and a half miles prize. 

Racing just off the pace throughout the race Idalko Bihoue moved into a lead he would not surrender rounding the home turn for the final time before bounding away to score by seven lengths. 

Twiston-Davies said: “That was absolutely lovely, and we thought he would do that the first time at Warwick, but he was too keen. He was very sensible around here and he is a really nice horse. 

“It all went wrong in the second half of last season, but he is back now and hopefully he can have a good run now. 

“No (there was nothing I could put my finger on why he lost his form). He was a young horse growing up and it was just all too much. He is a great big thing, and he will get better. 

“Quite definitely I thought he would be better over fences. He is very exciting. We can’t go in a big handicap yet as he needs another run. 

“There are very few ordinary novice chase races now so he will probably have to have another novice handicap run then we would have a think. 

“This is lovely. I think that was the worst racing day of my life (losing I Like To Move It) and this all helps put it back together again. 

“The owners have been very good supporters and they sponsor the yard. It very much makes this victory important.”