IT was a good day for Noel Fehily, who went on to win the very valuable bet365 Handicap Chase on 7/4 favourite Acting Lass for Harry Fry, the trainer having already taken the Thames Materials Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase with Drumcliff in the very capable hands of Aine O’Connor.

Quite a lot changed at the 13th in this intricate-looking affair because both 5/2 favourite Crievehill and Native Charmer made serious mistakes.

Left in the lead, Drumcliff (11/4) found plenty and went right away to beat Russborough by a dozen lengths. He was given a splendid ride by Aine O’Connor, who is exceptional value for her 3lb claim.

“Things didn’t really go our way in December when we felt the horses were below their best,” Fry commented. “But they’ve been in great form at home since and today was a great day for us with eight horses all in the money. It started with Drumcliff, who was given a skilful ride by my sister-in-law, and carried on with Acting Lass. I feel both of them have a bright future over fences.”

Not to be left out, O’Connor’s boyfriend Niall Madden was also on the scoresheet, winning the novices’ limited handicap chase at Taunton on 4/1 chance Geordie Des Champs for Rebecca Curtis. Both that winner and Drumcliff are owned by J. P. McManus.

GRITTY

It might have been an even better day for Fry because Air Horse One ran a cracking race in the Grade 3 Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle.

However, with the leader Jenkins in his sights from some way out, he simply could not get past and Nicky Henderson’s 5/1 chance was still just over two lengths in front at the line. The champion trainer, lethal in this sort of contest, especially here, also had the third in Burbank.

Jenkins seemed to have it all to do off an 11lb higher mark following his recent victory at Kempton but Henderson used 5lb claimer James Bowen this time and that was a very canny move, the youngster again looking a star of the future as he fought out the finish with Fehily.

Henderson has been around too long to fall for leading questions in the immediate aftermath of success.

So, “could we be looking at the future stable jockey at Seven Barrows?” from ITV’s Matt Chapman brought forth a smile, a shrug, and “that would be a long, long way down the line. He’s done very well today, though.”

For the second time in succession in a valuable British handicap, Arthur Moore’s Crossed My Mind attracted support and started 3/1 favourite.

He had every chance but faded out of contention and there seemed little excuse, especially with young Jonjo O’Neill taking the weight down to 9st 10lb. On this evidence, he will be hard to place.