Howard Johnson added another string to his powerful Cheltenham Festival bow as Killyglen took the victorchandler.com Robert Burns 250th Anniversary Novices’ Chase at Ayr.

Scottish trainer Donal Whillans was back in the winner’s enclosure after a lengthy absence with a telling success in the Guiness Handicap Hurdle at Newcastle.

British trainer Clive Cox realised one of his ambitions when he won the Northern Rock Gosforth Park Cup with Out After Dark at Newcastle this evening.

Smart Flat-racer Carte Diamond made a winning debut over jumps at Newcastle today to leave connections dreaming of Cheltenham Festival glory.

Martin Todhunter is on the way to a seasonal best after recording his first treble at Newcastle.