Darlan survives the Storm

Darlan (l): Saw off High Storm under an inspired ride

Darlan edged home in the Jenny & Mark Pitman Gold Syndicates 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle under another inspired ride from Tony McCoy.

The four year old son of Milan was sent off a well-backed 4-6 favourite to make it three out of three but had to work really hard to get the better of High Storm.

The complexion of the race changed quickly in the run towards the last as the front-running Aikideau was swamped by the chasing pack.

Balding Banker, Bygones In Brid and Able Deputy all briefly threatened but by the time the field had reach the last Darlan and High Storm appeared to have the race between them with the favourite appearing to travel all over his rival.

McCoy's mount wasn't foot-perfect at that flight and found a pair of rivals in determined mood as Rebecca Curtis' charge - who was wearing cheekpieces for the first time - and jockey Richard Johnson refused to wilt.

They were separated by just a nose at the line, pulling eight lengths clear of Able Deputy in third.

This was a third winner on the card for Henderson and a fifth for the day as the Lambourn handler also enjoyed a double at Doncaster.

Darlan was also completing a hat-trick in this race for Henderson following the wins of General Miller and Prince Of Pirates.

The winner has plenty to live up to as the likes of Noland, Tidal Bay and Rhinestone Cowboy have also won this prize in recent years.