McNeill eager to take on all-comers with Drama

“Bring them on” – that was the message from joint-owner Max McNeill after No Drama This End further enhanced his Cheltenham Festival credentials with victory in the Challow Hurdle on Monday.

Paul Nicholls’ imposing gelding had highlighted his star potential with victories at Cheltenham and Sandown in his first two starts over hurdles, but connections can now truly begin to dream after he shot to the top of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle market with a dazzling display in the final British Grade One of 2025.

“I have never been as nervous during a horserace in my life really and the last time I can remember nerves like that was when 2009 when Walkon was in the Triumph,” said McNeill.

“But that’s because he’s got so much potential and you try not to talk about it because he’s got to do it on the track, but it’s been difficult.

“People have said he’s not beaten much, but we’ve beaten everything this side of the Irish Sea. There are obviously a few good ones over there, but I’m not scared of anyone. Bring them over and this horse is special.”

No Drama This End not only provided McNeill with his first Grade One success as an owner since The Worlds End’s Long Walk Hurdle victory in 2019, but also added extra strings to his bow having tackled his fastest ground to date over hurdles while Harry Cobden also elected to make the running.

“If he hadn’t won the Challow you could perhaps have questioned if he liked the ground, but we all know the good ones can go on all sorts of ground,” continued McNeill.

“I’ve had a lot of horses who are good but need conditions in their favour, but No Drama This End proved he can do it on good ground and hopefully that has silenced a few people.

“Bring them on at the Festival and Paul has said he can get him so much better. The horse is now going to have a bit of a break because my nerves can’t stand it and bring on whoever wants to take us on.”

No Drama This End’s rise to prominence has also cemented a union between two of Nicholls’ most loyal owners, with McNeill crediting daughter Ella for bringing him into partnership with Chris and Giles Barber.

He added: “It’s only because my daughter is mates with Megan Nicholls and Ellen Barber and all the Barbers. They are all great mates and they happened to say wouldn’t it be great if our parents had one together and that’s how it happened.

“I would love to say it was my skill at choosing a racehorse, but I was asked and then had to make a decision and thankfully for once I got it right.”