Howard Johnson’s powerful string has suffered a few reverses in recent days but Deja Vu got the County Durham trainer back in the winning groove at Sedgefield today.

Harchibald staked his claim for championship honours with a smooth success under a vintage Paul Carberry ride in the Pertemps ‘Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle at Newcastle today.

Inglis Drever will bid to establish himself as one the leading candidates for Champion Hurdle next March when having his first start of the season in the Pertemps “Fighting Fifth” Hurdle at Newcastle tomorrow.