Richard Johnson reached his quickest 50 in his quest to land his first jump jockeys’ championship when steering Easily Pleased to victory at Newton Abbot.

Neither Qozak or Inchidaly Rock are likely to be gracing the Cheltenham Festival but both gave encouragement for their potential careers over fences as part of a three-timer for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh at Taunton.

Trainers Tom George and Martin Hill have been unsuccessful in their respective appeals to reverse placings in two races.