Hunt Ball back in business

Former Cheltenham Festival winner Hunt Ball registered his first victory in more than two years when making all of the running in the Independent Racecourses Ltd Novices' Hurdle at Fakenham.

Adding a touch of class to the three-mile contest, the 10-11 favourite exploited his much lower mark over hurdles with consummate ease in the hands of Andrew Tinkler.

Although joined by Driftashore heading out on to the final circuit, Nicky Henderson's 10-year-old, who was last seen finishing fourth in the Topham Chase at Aintree, soon saw off the attentions of the recent Ffos Las winner.

Hunt Ball then came home eight lengths clear of Shwaiman to score for the first time since landing a handicap chase at Taunton in April 2013.

Tinkler said: "He did it well and is a legend of a horse.

"He has given me some of my best rides over the National fences over the last couple of years and is one of the best jumpers around.

"It was top placing by the boss (Henderson) to find this race as he is still a novice over hurdles. Fair play to Fakenham for putting this race on.

"He had a hard race in the Topham and probably deserves a break, but he loves this ground and if there are races for him he may well keep on going."

Henderson said: "It was lovely. You can't think of a stranger preparation for a novice hurdle at Fakenham than the Topham at Aintree.

"I'm so chuffed for the horse. When you're rated 155 (over fences) he's hard to place.

"He's top weight in every handicap, he's been fourth in the Ryanair and fourth in the Topham with top weight.

"I'm so pleased I found a race he could win and I suppose we could do it again and look for another novice hurdle."

Trainer Julian Smith matched his total from last season after Emerald Rose caused a minor surprise in the At The Races Novices' Chase.

Racing prominently throughout, the 100-30 shot had enough in hand to turn over 4-9 favourite Morning Reggie by six lengths.

Smith, who saddled just the one winner in the 2014-15 campaign, said: "She had shown plenty of ability over hurdles but she just wants a little bit of cut in the ground.

"The race was set up for us and she jumped really well.

"We will try pick up a few races through the summer with her."

Paul Henderson ended his 124-day search for a winner as Alright Benny rolled back the years to register a second victory at the track in the Orchard Group's Race For Livy Handicap Chase.

Showing he still has plenty of life in him at the age of 12, the 11-2 shot made all the running to provide Paddy Brennan with winner on his sole ride at the Norfolk track.

Henderson said: "The time before he came up here and pulled up as he burst a blood vessel for the first time in his life.

"He jumps for fun and loves bowling along out in front.

"Paddy gave the horse a great ride as he presented him beautifully at his fences."

Former Norwich City striker and current Swindon Town chairman Lee Power hit the target after Barneys Honour made light work of his opposition in The Tour Of Britain At Fakenham 12th September Selling Hurdle.

The well-supported 11-8 favourite bounced back from a lacklustre effort in handicap company last time out to register a second course victory, this time by a facile 31 lengths.

Power said: "To be honest, we were just a bit worried about dropping back from two and a half miles to two miles as we thought it might be a bit sharp for him.

"He just found handicap company a bit too hot last time and this is more his grade.

"If we can pick up a few more races like this it would be great."

Charlie Hammond celebrated his first winner under Rules when teaming up with Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland to take the IRL Open Hunters' Chase with Neverownup.

After surviving a mid-race stumble, the 10-11 favourite needing plenty of stoking before he eventually put 18 lengths between himself and runner-up Roby De Cimbre.

Newland said: "That was Charlie's first winner under Rules and I am thrilled with that as he works for me.

"He is a young lad who is doing well and this is a big day for him.

"He is a nice horse who I claimed out of a race here.

"There is a handicap hunter chase at Newton Abbot coming up and he might go for that."

Queen Spud (5-2 favourite) repeated her success from 12 months ago in the concluding Fakenham Ladies Raceday 31st May Mares' Handicap Hurdle when running out a four-length winner.