Liberate left the Philip Hobbs stable dreaming of another victory in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after maintaining his unbeaten record with ease in the closing race at Wincanton.

Only five of the 14 that set out in the opening Betfred Novices’ Handicap Chase at Southwell completed and they were led home by Lord Rodney in the hands of Tom Siddall.