Not many Derby contenders go on to take up a hurdling career. The most famous and successful has to be the great Sea Pigeon of course, who ran seventh in 1973 at Epsom. Now last year's Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly is being prepared for a campaign over hurdles as connections bid to rekindle his form after a run of disappointing efforts on the Flat, with the gelding now set for a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon under trainer James Owen.

The son of Gleneagles ran the race of his life when beaten just two and three-quarter lengths by City Of Troy in the 2024 Epsom Derby, before finishing a close third in last year's Irish Derby. He subsequently contested Pattern company at the highest level, running in the Juddmonte International at York and the Prix Foy at Longchamp.

However, the now four-year-old has struggled to recapture that Classic form. Switched to James Owen from his Newmarket neighbour James Fanshawe at the start of this season, Ambiente Friendly has failed to finish in the first three in five runs this year and, having been gelded in June, is now being prepared for a maiden hurdle.

The decision to send Ambiente Friendly jumping represents a bold change of direction for connections, with owner Tim Gredley and the Gredley Family clearly hoping the switch in discipline will revitalise a horse who showed genuine Group 1 potential at three. Reports suggest the gelding has been schooling well over hurdles, giving connections encouragement that he can make a successful transition to the winter game.

For Owen, taking charge of a former Derby runner-up provides an intriguing challenge, and Ambiente Friendly's change of scenery could prove the catalyst for a revival. Whether the step up in trip over hurdles and the switch to jumping will suit remains to be seen, but connections will be hoping to see glimpses of the horse who ran City Of Troy to under three lengths on the sport's biggest stage.