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.