Liberate kept three David Pipe-trained runners at bay to win a thrilling race for the toteplacepot Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

Alan King and Robert Thornton landed their third Cheltenham Festival winner of the week when Katchit won the JCB Triumph Hurdle in great style.

PHILIP HOBBS has taken no chances with the health of Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City, who is stabled separately from the rest of his yard, despite sparkling in his last big workout yesterday morning.

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.