SATURDAY was a very good day for J.P. McManus as Defi Du Seuil enhanced his Triumph Hurdle claims at Cheltenham, Eastlake rediscovered some of his best form to score at 33/1 and Pure Vision took to handicap hurdle company at Lingfield.

In winning the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, Defi Du Seuil was taking his record to four out of five over hurdles. He clearly likes Cheltenham and kept on well to account for Coeur De Lion by nearly two lengths. He was not hard pressed to justify an SP of 4/6.

“He wouldn’t really need any more races before the festival but he’s tough and could take it,” winning trainer Philip Hobbs enthused. “Barry (Geraghty) was particularly impressed with his jumping and said he was on springs. The Finale Hurdle at Chepstow is only a fortnight away but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

EASTLAKE

Not many Geraghty-ridden winners start at 33/1 but Jonjo O’Neill’s Eastlake had failed to get round in both starts this term. With the cheekpieces removed he banished those memories with a fluent display, coming from off the pace in the Raymond Mould Handicap Chase to lead soon after the last and beat recent course scorer Un Beau Roman by nearly two lengths with Nicky Henderson’s 5/2 favourite Vaniteux a fair third.

“He was pulled up with a fibrillating heart the last twice and we’ve monitored him since”, O’Neill explained. “He won the Topham at Aintree last season but doesn’t seem to get three miles so we’ll have to see where we go.”

Henderson enjoyed better luck in the Ryman Novices’ Chase but it was 4/1 chance Whisper who did the business, not odds-on favourite Different Gravey.

Given a typically patient ride by Davy Russell, Whisper was brought with his challenge after Baron Alco had led to the last. He quickly asserted and went clear with Sizing Tennessee a modest third. Different Gravey jumped moderately before finishing last of the five to complete. This was a long way below his promising debut at Ascot.

“For the past year and a half Whisper has been absolute rubbish so at the end of the summer we took him to pieces but couldn’t find anything. Maybe there is some confidence and happiness back in his life,” Henderson mused.

Geraghty makes it three winners

IF anyone was inclined to doubt Barry Geraghty’s full recovery from a broken arm they look rather foolish now. A treble with none of the winners trained by Henderson is highly unusual but the retainer is with J.P. and his third success came aboard Noel Williams’ Briery Queen (8/1) in the OLBG Mares’ Handicap Hurdle in the colours of Helen Plumbly and Kathryn Leadbeater.

The winner had not been seen for many months but won well. She will be even better on good ground.