King happy with Howle triumph

ALAN KING’S grasp on the JCB Triumph Hurdle tightened a fraction at Wincanton yesterday when Howle Hill landed his second victory in three outings over jumps.

His performance in the second division of the Corscombe Novices’ Hurdle did not have the layers running for cover as Robert Thornton had him in command much further from home than intended and he had to be ridden right out to score by three lengths from the promising Dictum.

King, who also houses the ante-post Triumph favourite Trouble At Bay in his stables, was pleased with the performance of Howle Hill, who remains a 20-1 shot for Cheltenham with Coral.