Johnson dejected after Contraband setback

OWNER David Johnson could not hide his frustration as Contraband produced a lacklustre performance on his return from injury at Kempton to leave his Paddy Power Gold Cup hopes in tatters.

The former Arkle winner had been off the track for 192 days and was never going well at any stage under Timmy Murphy in the two-mile Betfred “The Bonus King” Graduation Chase, won in good style by Sporazene.

Although 4-6 favourite Contraband got to within a length of the Paul Nicholls inmate at the second-last, the eight-year-old blundered away his chance, leaving the grey to coast home by three and a half lengths.

“That was disappointing,” admitted Johnson.

“The race was run to suit, but maybe he’s becoming a bit of a monkey. He never jumped a fence and he never went for him.

“There are no excuses.”

Contraband is entered in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham but it appears unlikely he will take his chance.

When asked what the future plans were for the gelding, Martin Pipe, assisting his son David, said: “Today was the plan! We need to have a chat but it was very disappointing.”

Sporazene, who received 7lb from the runner-up, gave Sam Thomas his first victory for the Ditcheat yard since being announced the champion trainer’s second jockey.

Nicholls’ assistant, Dan Skelton, said: “Sporazene is still a bit novicey but that was ideal.

“It is great to have got Sam, and the horse, off the mark.

“We hope to find another similar race, ideally left-handed over a bit further.”

Henrietta Knight, who won three Gold Cups with Best Mate, appears to have another serious prospect on her hands in Ringaroses.

The five-year-old, part-owned by former BHB chairman Martin Broughton, eased to an impressive length-and-a-half victory under Murphy in the two-mile five-furlong betfredcasino.com “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

Though guarded in her praise of the five-year-old, Miss Knight could not fail to hide her delight and said: “He’s got a lot of edges to be levelled out.

“He’s very excitable and has a lot of calming down to do.”

The Wantage handler is now thinking in terms of the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for Ringaroses, the last foal of Knight’s top mare, Rose Ravine.

“He won’t be seen too many times before then (Cheltenham). But perhaps we need to give him a couple more runs to give him a bit more experience,” she added.

Glacial Sunset proved age to be no barrier as he made all under Tom Doyle in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.

The Colin Tinkler-trained 11-year-old bounced back to form in game fashion, wearing down Wee Dinns to score by five lengths.