Bangor treble for Donald McCain

Donald McCain was in irresistible form at Bangor, as he took the training honours with a 106-1 treble on an eventful afternoon which left fellow trainer Robin Dickin "aghast" at the verdict of the stewards in the opening race.

Pinch Of Ginger, Fin And Game and Tailor Tom did the business at the Welsh venue for the Cholmondeley handler.

However, the hat-trick began in controversial fashion when Pinch Of Ginger (4-1) was awarded outright victory at an inquiry following the Stella Artois Novices' Handicap Chase, after dead-heating with Dickin's Oneida Tribe (5-2 favourite).

The stewards found the latter, ridden by Adrian Heskin, had interfered with Pinch Of Ginger on the run to line. They felt it had improved Oneida Tribe's placing as his rival was carried off its intended line, had to switch and then rallied to dead-heat.

Dickin is to appeal against the stewards' decision to demote his horse.

He said: "There was no interference. I'm aghast it wasn't left a dead-heat."

McCain and jockey Brian Hughes completed a double when Fin And Game (11-8 favourite) got the better of Doc Carver in the Stella Artois Cidre 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

Will Kennedy came with a late run on Tailor Tom (8-1) to snatch the Stella Artois 4% Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old had plenty to do two out but responded to his jockey's urgings to nab Arden Denis and score by a neck.

"Fin And Game didn't like the ground, but we got away with it. He's a nice horse," said McCain.

"They are all nice young horses. I couldn't be happier. They are doing it well and they'll be around for a few years."

Samuel Jackson (11-4) showed his 100-1 success on his rules debut at Taunton was no fluke by outpointing long-time leader Uppertown Prince by a length and a half in the Stella Artois Supporting Bangor-On-Dee Novices' Hurdle under Micheal Nolan.

The first two drew 54 lengths ahead of Doctor Haze in third.