EXETER’s feature race was almost overshadowed by events in the preceding novice chase where Captain Teague was the beneficiary of a walkover in the £40,000 contest after the other two runners were taken out due to the quick ground.

Paul Nicholls’ charge was set to make his chasing debut but had to jump no fences, with Harry Cobden’s mount only required to gallop from the furlong marker to the winning line.

Dan Skelton’s Deafening Silence was first taken out, with Skelton withdrawing four runners on the card due to the going, described as good. Sue Gardner also withdrew Daring Plan.

Skelton on TV expressed sympathy with officials, stating no one was to blame but welfare concerns had to be taken into account and Paul Nicholls also said: “It’s no one’s fault – the ground has just dried up and they can’t water here. Welfare is a big issue with horses and trainers have to do the right thing by their horse.”

In the Grade 2 BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase, the Joe Tizzard-trained JPR One defied top-weight to land the spoils under Brendan Powell. The seven-year-old travelled well as Sans Bruit, a first ride back in Britain for Bryony Frost, made the running. JRP One picked up in the straight to beat the favourite Djelo by three-quarters of a length.

Tizzard said: “We’d had a lovely prep and it was always the plan to come here. He’s a good horse.” There was also a winning return for Bryony Frost when she partnered her father’s Asian Spice to win the Mares Handicap Hurdle.