A review of the racing from Ascot: Amiral Collonges wins for James Evans

News of the rest of the action from Ascot where Amiral Collonges took a big step forward from his first run in Britain.

Amiral Collonges took a big step forward on his previous start in Britain when running out a decisive winner of the Foundation Developments Ltd Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Ascot.

The five-year-old French recruit finished a well-held third at Market Rasen last month but showed what he is capable of at the Berkshire circuit.

Travelling powerfully throughout, the James Evans-trained gelding moved towards the head of the field after jumping the third-last.

While Minellacelebration and Knight Ofthe Realm formed part of a breakaway group of three, they were unable to match strides with the 12-1 chance late on as he galloped on strongly to cross the line a comfortable nine-length winner.

Evans said: "We liked him as he has got a tough profile from France. He is still a novice over hurdles and he just looked a tough, no-nonsense type we could get on with.

"The plan was to win a novice hurdle before Christmas, then when he turns six go chasing in the spring. He will probably be kept over hurdles for one more run."

Royal Regatta (8-1) regained the winning thread after he coasted to an eased-down victory in the GL Events Owen Brown Graduation Chase.

Irish raider Mala Beach attempted to raise some sort of effort, but the 9-4 favourite had no answer to the Philip Hobbs-trained seven-year-old, who was fitted with a first-time tongue-tie and blinkers, with 11 lengths separating the pair at the line.

Hobbs said: "It is probably mainly the blinkers that have made the difference. I was not really expecting that as he has always been extremely cautious with his jumping and the blinkers have definitely sharpened him up.

"It is nice to get his head back in front again as it is a long time since he last won."

The big disappointment of the race was the lacklustre return of smart hurdler Blue Fashion, who was pulled up by David Bass long before the end of the race.

Mon Successeur put a string of near-misses behind him when he came with a late run to take the BGC Partners Handicap Chase.

Keen not to hit the front too soon, Sam Twiston-Davies waited until as late as possible aboard the 6-1 shot before sending him on past Mountain King to score by seven lengths.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "He is obviously an improving four-year-old. He ran very well at Newbury then we run him quick at Exeter where he got beat by a good horse. He got there a bit too soon that day and idled, while Harry (Cobden) dropped his stick after the last.

"We might just find a valuable handicap for him over the Christmas period at Kempton or Cheltenham.

"While he is in form we will keep going with him as there's no point stopping with him. He is probably slightly better right-handed.

"Although he's only a four-year-old, he takes everything that is thrown at him."