Johnson on target once more

Howard Johnson was quickly back into his winning stride as jumps racing returned for the first time since January 2 at Ayr.

The fixture was hastily arranged on Monday in light of the spate of abandoned meetings, and it survived despite desperate weather with gale force winds and driving rain.

Johnson hit his target of 50 winners by the end of the year on December 31 and was again on target as racing finally resumed on the Scottish coast following the recent cold snap.

Denis O'Regan produced Johnson's Prince De Beauchene to lead at the penultimate flight in division one of the Blue Square Novices' Hurdle and drew away to pass the post with seven lengths to spare over Bracken Lad.

Winning owner Graham Wylie said of the 13-8 chance: "We bought him to go chasing - he has won over fences in France - but I think we will keep him to hurdling for this season.

"He was a bit unlucky at Kelso last time, Graham Lee rode a brilliant race on the winner who came and mugged us on the line."

Companero (4-9) extended his winning sequence to five in dramatic fashion in the Blue Square Casino Novices' Chase.

Racing to the second-last fence, Quws Law had drawn six lengths clear of Companero and the latter was offered at 19-1 on the exchanges.

Bravest

But those who thought his chance had gone burned their fingers as Johnson's runner fought back in the bravest fashion to get on top in the last 75 yards and get home by three-quarters of a length.

Johnson's assistant Ray Hawkey said: "Companero showed a lot of courage there, the ground was not soft enough for him, the heavier the better for him.

"I am delighted for Mark Black, he owns the horse in partnership with Howard's wife Sue and he is the stable's longest-serving patron."

Nicky Richards' decision to give Harmony Brig a break from the chasing game paid off when the 10-year-old won a thrilling Blue Square SP Guarantee Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Brian Harding.

Aintree Grand National hope Endless Power held a slight lead at the last but Theatre Belle soon took it up and went for home.

Responded

But Harmony Brig responded to get up in the last strides and win by a short head.

The 22-1 winner had not run over hurdles for nearly two years and Richards said: "To be fair to him he was a good hurdler and we just thought we would give him another try and we have gone and won a nice prize with him.

"I may give him another run over hurdles first but the main target is the Eider Chase at Newcastle, the four miles should suit and it could be just the race for him."