“He’s a real class horse and I’ve waited a long time to have a really classy one since Denman and some of those.”

Paul Nicholls was full of admiration for No Drama This End after he made an effortless start to his hurdling career in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Held up off the pace, No Drama This End steadily eased his way into contention before readily brushing aside the 7/4 marker leader Heads Up on the approach to the final flight. Cobden only had to administer a brief shake of the reins and his mount picked up in fine style to draw clear for a taking three length success.

Heads Up, who finished ahead of the eventual winner when they met in the Champion Bumper last season, held on well for second, with King's Buck back in third.

Speaking of the talented five-year-old, who carries the colours of the McNeill Family and is owned in partnership with Chris and Giles Barber, Nicholls said: "We always thought he was very nice at home. I was really worried about the ground today for his first run over hurdles, but he did that so well.

"He's a real class horse and I've waited a long time to have a really classy one since Denman and some of those. I think with a bit of luck he could be one of them.

"That was a good performance – it was his first run over hurdles, and he can only improve.

"I'd say we'll head to the Challow with him now. He has got the experience now and won't run in between. We need to look after him and what a lovely chaser he will make.

"It's great for the Barber family to have another really smart horse and Max (McNeill) is involved with him as well. It's brilliant."