Blueking D’Oroux may have booked his ticket for the Greatwood Hurdle back at Cheltenham next month following a straightforward success in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, the four-year-old arrived from France with a fairly tall reputation but took a while to adapt to his new surroundings.

He ended last season in good form, though, by winning a decent handicap at Ascot at 50-1 and finishing second at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

Harry Cobden always looked in control on this occasion and the 5-2 chance came up the hill on his own to win by two lengths.

Nicholls said: “I’m thrilled with that. On ratings, he was entitled to win and we had him ready for today. He has improved so much for last season’s wind operation, as he was a disaster at the start.

“He’s always been quite a nice horse, but he was struggling with his breathing and never showed anything at home.

“But after his summer out he’s worked beautifully. He’s improved from last year and is an improving horse. Some of ours are needing their runs and I’ve not been in such a hurry with them. It’s all about their futures.

“This horse is in the Greatwood and at Ascot and we’ll look at races like the Betfair Hurdle later in the season. He’ll go novice chasing next year. He’s got to take on older horses in handicaps.”

Coral cut the winner from 16-1 into 12s for the Greatwood Hurdle next month.

Nicky Henderson’s Hyland (9-1) was given a patient ride by Nico de Boinville to win the Pertemps Network Qualifier.

Top weight Flight Deck made a very bold bid from the front on his first outing for Deborah Cole but Hyland joined him at the last and went on to win by two lengths. Judicial passed Flight Deck up the hill to claim second.

David Sumpter, spokesman for the winning Ten From Seven syndicate said: “We’ve had lots of winners, that is number 99, but it’s the first one here at Cheltenham for myself and I’m overwhelmed.

“The ground was getting too soft for him but Nico decided to stick to the inner and he handled it superbly. Ten From Seven have been going for 20 years and originally was made up for people from Seven Barrows.”

Hyland was given a 25-1 quote for the Pertemps Final by Paddy Power.

The Olly Murphy-trained Butch (3-1) made almost all the running in the William Hill Epic Weekend Free Bet Novices’ Hurdle.

Sean Bowen set off to make it a proper gallop but Keith Donoghue had bided his time on Antrim Coast and seemed to have delivered him perfectly after the last to hit the front deep inside the final furlong.

To Butch’s credit, however, he battled back and got back up to win by a neck.

Bowen said: “He was the only runner that had run over three miles and so I wanted to make the best of it.

“The horse gave everything and really stuck his head out. It’s not often they come back like that after being headed.”

Winning owner Max McNeil said: “The horse has proved he’s an out and out stayer, that’s why we wanted to make it a test, and Sean read the script well.

“This is a very good prospect but I’m also very excited about Inthewaterside at Aintree tomorrow.”

Ballymount Boy secured a deserved big-race victory with a determined display in the William Hill Prospect Stakes at Doncaster.

Adrian Keatley’s star juvenile pushed subsequent Middle Park hero Vandeek to a length in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood in August and filled the runner-up spot again in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York three weeks later.

A tilt at Group One glory in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend did not work out, but he made the most of having his sights lowered to Listed company on Town Moor.

James Doyle’s mount was a 5-2 joint-favourite dropping back from seven to six furlongs and appeared at pains to play his cards as late as possible.

Alaskan Gold looked the likely winner after grabbing the lead inside the final furlong, but Ballymount Boy eventually reeled him in and was half a length to the good at the line.

Doyle said: “Adrian told me to try and get there fairly late, probably not quite that late but it worked out well in the end.

“We didn’t want him to fly the lid as he overraced in France the last day, so I tried to get him to break a bit steadier and we overdid it slightly, so it put us on the back foot.

“It gave us plenty of targets and there was a point I was going to come out and try and close, but then we would have had daylight for a good two and a half furlongs so I just thought I’d try and be brave and on this ground it can open up. It worked out nicely.

“What he’s doing this year is purely on ability. Even before I hit the front there, he pricked his ears and had a look about. I don’t think he’s fully wised up to what it’s all about, so hopefully when that comes next year, they’ll have a bit of fun with him.”

Keatley said: “We’re relieved more than pleased, just to get a win into him. It’s good to finish the year like that. He’s had a couple of hard races and it’s nice for the horse.

“He’s been on the go since the breeze-ups and he’s going to get a deserved break. Things didn’t work out running downhill into the bend in France but he’s a good horse.

“Hopefully we’ll have another good summer with him next year. We’ll start off at six furlongs, I hope he can start on a winning note in the spring and go on from there.”

Henry de Bromhead enjoyed a birthday double at Cheltenham when Dancing On My Own and Whacker Clan powered up the famous hill in front

De Bromhead, who was celebrating his 51st birthday, got the day off to the best possible start with the Rachael Blackmore-ridden Dancing On My Own in the Epic Value At William Hill Handicap Chase.

The race was still in the balance on the approach to the last as Gary Moore’s Haddex Des Obeaux, who had made every yard of the running, was still holding a slender lead when coming down at the final fence.

Having set a searching gallop, Haddex Des Obeaux had seen them all off bar the eventual winner and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Guy, who were the only three in contention for the final half mile.

As Guy began to weaken up the hill and Haddex Des Obeaux came down, Dancing On My Own (14-1), the winner of Aintree’s Red Rum Chase in April, was left to come home alone. He had two lengths to spare over Triple Trade, with In Excelsis Deo and Notlongtillmay both making good progress for minor honours.

De Bromhead said: “Rachael gave him a super ride, she was brilliant on him.

“I was worried about his big weight and he was up 7lb for Aintree but I’m delighted with him, he jumped super.

“He’s funny, he just loves to go a good decent gallop the whole way, so the other horse going on suited him, and Rachael knows him better than anyone.

“Let’s see what the handicapper thinks, but he could come back for the Schloer maybe, we might need to look at conditions chases as he’s boxing up there.

“We haven’t managed to win the two-mile division (Queen Mother) but even with Energumene out, there are plenty of good horses in it.”

De Bromhead ran two in the Epic Jumps Season At William Hill Handicap Chase, with Blackmore on Amirite but it was the Darragh O’Keeffe-ridden Whacker Clan (12-1) who jumped his rivals into submission from the front.

He looked a sitting duck as Twig challenged over the last but pulled out more to win by three lengths.

“He’s a hardy fella and has just been progressing. A lot of plans were hatched for him in the Strand hotel at Dunmore East. It’s one of those pubs, and the syndicate members are very enthusiastic,” said De Bromhead.

“He might be a horse that could get into the Kim Muir but we need to back off him.”

Louise Foyle, one of the winning owners, said: “Henry’s our local trainer and we have three in syndicates with him. The Strand is our family business and we love a party. We’ve been coming for years, and it’s amazing to see our own horse win.”

Ancient Wisdom showed an abundance of spirit and stamina to land the Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.

Charlie Appleby’s charge made the running early on but was headed by Devil’s Point and Dancing Gemini when the pace quickened three furlongs out.

However, Ancient Wisdom got a second wind in the latter stages and galloped on strongly to outstay Devil’s Point by a length and three-quarters.

William Buick’s mount was sent off the 5-4 favourite, while God’s Window stayed on to finish a head behind Devil’s Point in third. Aidan O’Brien’s Diego Velazquez faded out of contention.

Ancient Wisdom, supplemented for the race on Monday, was cut to as short as 6-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power for next year’s Derby, while Coral offered 8-1 for him to win the Epsom Classic.

The start of the race was delayed by a nasty incident when Battle Cry reared up in the stalls and fell backwards, unseating jockey Ben Curtis in the process.

That forced the O’Brien-trained outsider to be withdrawn but both horse and jockey were thankfully able to walk away.

Grand National hero Corach Rambler kicked off his campaign by finishing fifth behind Elvis Mail in the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso.

The nine-year-old, who was giving a stone and more away to all of his rivals, has tended to need the outing when making his seasonal reappearance and a slow pace did not suit the out-and-out stayer.

Derek Fox was content to bide his time at the back of the six-runner field in the early stages, as Empire Steel and Highland Hunter dictated the pace at the head of affairs.

Lucinda Russell’s charge jumped fluently for much of the contest but was caught flat-footed when those ahead of him quickened up from the third-last fence.

Corach Rambler was untidy at the penultimate obstacle and was then left to coast home, while 11-4 chance Elvis Mail kept on strongly to get the better of Highland Hunter by two lengths.

Corach Rambler remains the 16-1 favourite with Coral to defend his Grand National crown at Aintree next April.

Henry de Bromhead enjoyed a birthday winner at Cheltenham when Dancing On My Own was driven home by Rachael Blackmore in the Epic Value At William Hill Handicap Chase.

De Bromhead was celebrating his 51st birthday but the race was still in the balance on the approach to the last as Gary Moore’s Haddex Des Obeaux, who had made every yard of the running, was still holding a slender lead when coming down at the final fence.

Having set a searching gallop, Haddex Des Obeaux had seen them all off bar the eventual winner and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Guy, who were the only three in contention for the final half mile.

As Guy began to weaken up the hill and Haddex Des Obeaux came down, Dancing On My Own (14-1), the winner of Aintree’s Red Rum Chase in April, was left to come home alone. He had two lengths to spare over Triple Trade, with In Excelsis Deo and Notlongtillmay both making good progress for minor honours.

De Bromhead said: “Rachael gave him a super ride, she was brilliant on him.

“I was worried about his big weight and he was up 7lb for Aintree but I’m delighted with him, he jumped super.

“He’s funny, he just loves to go a good decent gallop the whole way, so the other horse going on suited him, and Rachael knows him better than anyone.

“Let’s see what the handicapper thinks, but he could come back for the Schloer maybe, we might need to look at conditions chases as he’s boxing up there.

“We haven’t managed to win the two-mile division (Queen Mother) but even with Energumene out, there are plenty of good horses in it.”

Romantic Warrior created history at Moonee Valley when the Hong Kong star won Australia’s most prestigious race, the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.

A multiple Group One winner in his homeland, the five-year-old was facing a completely different test on Saturday.

Trained by Danny Shum, the Irish-bred son of Acclamation was ridden by home jockey James McDonald and his local knowledge proved crucial.

Caught wide on the turn into the short home straight, Romantic Warrior looked to have a mountain to climb as seven-time Group One winner Alligator Blood hit the front before being challenged by Mr Brightside.

However, McDonald got Romantic Warrior rolling and managed to get home by a short head.

Since Able Friend’s eclipse at Royal Ascot in 2015, the majority of Hong Kong’s best horses have stayed closer to home with such big prize money on offer, but Shum’s and owner Peter Lau’s adventurousness was rewarded.

“It has big meaning for me as a trainer. It makes me happy. I’m more happy than I can tell you,” Shum told www.racing.com.

“I don’t know how to tell you how happy I am. I am really happy.

“I want to thank Peter the owner for giving permission to come here. James McDonald, all the team, all the Hong Kong fans, my wife Christine, my son Aaron. I love you! I love you!”

McDonald said: “I showed belief. This horse is pretty special to me. I mentioned if he came to a Cox Plate he’d be a suitable horse.

“I meant what I said and credit to Peter and Danny, it takes a hell of a lot of balls to come out of Hong Kong with all the prize money. It is one of the best racing jurisdictions in the world and they come here and showcase their boy.

“I was comfortable. I knew I was on the right horse; I kept going ‘he’s the best horse, he’s the best horse’ so I’d ride him like it.

“I took a gamble about the 1000 (metres) or 1200. We elected to come back a spot and to the minute right now I believe that was the winning move. Giving my horse an extra length to come back.

“I let Alligator Blood near him knowing I think I can still beat him letting him out and having last crack.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Victoria Road finished back in ninth under jockey Blake Shinn.

Brian Ellison believes if Tashkhan can reproduce his brave Cesarewitch run he will win Sunday’s Prix Royal-Oak at ParisLongchamp.

Carrying top-weight, the five-year-old hit the front inside the final quarter-mile, but his welter burden told inside the last furlong and he was passed by The Shunter and eventually Pied Piper.

Ellison rated it as a career-best effort, despite it coming in a handicap, but does harbour some doubts about whether those exertions may have taken the edge off his stable star.

“He ran a blinder in the Cesarewitch. You wonder if he had too hard a race there but you don’t know until you run them, that’s the danger,” he said.

“To be fair to the horse, he is tough, he seems well at home, I’m quite happy with him even though he’s just been ticking over and it’s his last run of the year, so we’ll see.

“If he performs like he did in the Cesarewitch, he’ll win, won’t he. I think it was just about his best-ever run when you take into account the weight he was carrying. All the ratings people tend to agree, too. It was some run.

“He was only beaten by two proper horses, giving them a stone. The winner has proven his class by winning at Cheltenham and Pied Piper was running against Champion Hurdle horses most of last season.

“I don’t think there’s anything like those two in this race, but the danger is we’ve got to travel all the way to France. But he is tough and if he can repeat his Newmarket run he won’t be far away.”

Fellow British raiders in what is the French version of the St Leger include Chester Cup winner Metier and James Fanshawe’s Novel Legend, while the home team is headed by the three-year-old Double Major.

Sam Thomas has made a superb start to the season and will be looking for Al Dancer to continue his fine run of form in Sunday’s Jewson Fast Set Finish Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree.

Al Dancer was one of the stable’s three high-profile winners at Chepstow’s big two-day meeting earlier this month, when scoring by seven and a half lengths from fellow joint-favourite Nocte Volatus.

“We were really happy with his first run at Chepstow, which has put him up to a career-high mark,” said the Glamorgan handler.

“So, with him being a 10-year-old now, we thought it was worth having another go at a good race with him.

“It’s a tough ask because it looks a very hot race, but he’s very well in himself and that’s always a big plus.

“We didn’t manage to get much out of him last season, so it’s great to get him back enjoying himself.

“Touch wood, a lot of our horses have been firing on all cylinders so far, so long may that continue.”

Tommy’s Oscar is another who will have fitness on his side after a smooth Kelso success on his seasonal reappearance for Ann Hamilton, who won here with Nuts Well in 2020.

Hitman was second in this race last year for Paul Nicholls, going down by just a head to Riders Onthe Storm.

He went on to finish third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and the champion trainer said: “He loves to be fresh and I am sure he will win a nice race. He is still only a young horse.”

Do Your Job was sent off favourite 12 months ago, finishing sixth, and has since switched from Michael Scudamore to the in-form Lucinda Russell.

The Scottish handler said: “I always admired him when Michael had him in training and he seems to be well suited to our gallop.

“He’s a big, strong horse who takes a little bit of getting to know. We’ve done a lot of schooling, Derek (Fox) rides him and I’d love him to do well this season for the owner and all the connections.

“We’ll see how we get on with him, but I think the Old Roan Chase is a good starting point.”

Datsalrightgino signed off last season with a spirited win in the Grade Two Future Champion Novices’ Chase at Ayr and is reported in fine spirits by Jamie Snowden.

The trainer said: “He was very progressive last season as a novice and finished up almost 20lb higher than he started.

“He definitely improved for stepping up to two and a half miles and we think he’s improved again ahead of this season, although he’ll need to, as this is a tough race.

“His only real blip last term was at the Cheltenham Festival, but that was on testing ground and he bounced back with a very good win at Ayr on a nice surface.

“We’ve sidestepped a couple of possible engagements this year at Chepstow and Market Rasen because of the ground, but hopefully it should be nice, fresh ground up at Aintree.”

Dan Skelton’s My Drogo looked a horse with huge potential when scoring in the Grade One Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at this venue in April 2021, with the reopposing Minella Drama nine and a half lengths back in second.

He was last seen landing a novice chase at Cheltenham 687 days ago but has been the subject of encouraging comments by connections.

Courtland enjoyed four wins from five outings during a successful summer spell for Peter Bowen, while Emma Lavelle’s Hang In there is chasing a hat-trick after victories at Stratford and Worcester.

Jetoile ended last term with a Chepstow double, while Erne River has always been held in high regard by Nick Kent and completes a quality field.

Doncaster’s Kameko Futurity Trophy meeting will go ahead as planned this afternoon.

While day one of the weekend fixture on Friday fell foul of waterlogging in places, hopes were reasonably high the card featuring the final Group One of the domestic season would survive after the movement of rails to avoid troublesome areas.

A precautionary inspection confirmed that view after a dry but misty night, meaning an intriguing main event will see a highly-anticipated clash between Charlie Appleby’s Arabian Crown and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Diego Velazquez.

No problems are reported over jumps at Cheltenham and Kelso, where Grand National winner Corach Rambler returns to action in the Edinburgh Gin Chase. At Cheltenham, the star attraction could be Flooring Porter, as the dual Stayers’ Hurdle hero goes over fences for the first time in the William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Novices’ Chase.