Harry Topper finished with a flourish under Timmy Murphy to win the GPG Novices' Chase at Newbury

Last updated: 29th November 2012  

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Harry Topper on his way to a remarkable victory in the feature race

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Harry Topper finished with a flourish under Timmy Murphy to win the GPG Novices' Chase at Newbury.

Representing the in-form Kim Bailey yard, the five-year-old already looked well held at the second last as Irish raider Benefficient forged clear under AP McCoy.

But Murphy did not give up on the cause and conjured a tremendous late rattle from the 3/1 shot after the last, where he still had a good 15 lengths to make up.

The combination reeled in three horses to get on top in the final 50 yards and scored going away by one and a half lengths.

Benefficient (8/1) was second, with 15/8 favourite Houblon Des Obeaux unplaced.

Bailey, who is normally quite restrained in his post-race assessments, said: "He won't see a racecourse very often, as Timmy said I've got to look after him as he is desperately weak.

"He'll run one or two more times this season, because he is very, very good.

"I've always held a very high opinion of him and he's the best horse I've had since Master Oats.

"He wants flat, galloping tracks at the moment, and in 18 months' time I'd hope you will see him at Cheltenham.

"He is the horse of my dreams."