Indeed, it would be a good thing for everyone, insists public relations manager Iain Turner.

WBX must fork out £1m to connections of Go Native if he completes the Fighting Fifth/Christmas Hurdle/Champion Hurdle treble, prompting some speculation that success for Noel Meade's favourite would have serious repercussions for the future of the company.

"We've taken the punt anyway and it would be a substantial . . . but it's all budgeted for. It comes with a PR and marketing expense and once it is linked into the budget and plans have been made, we're almost in a position to say 'let's go for it'. If he does win, there are more PR and marketing benefits."

Contrary to reports, WBX have hedged some of their bets in the event that Go Native obliges. "We've had something to insure ourselves on it -- we'd be foolish not to," Turner reasoned.