Henderson steals show with 19-1 three-timer
They were the Seven Barrows trainer’s only runners at the track after Remember Now was a late withdrawal from the two-mile handicap hurdle.
Open Hearted (9-2) kicked off proceedings in the royal colours when opening his account over obstacles in the crownhotel-bawtry.com Maiden Hurdle.
Always in the front rank, Andrew Tinkler’s mount led before the third-last and comfortably held the favourite Ile de Re by four and a half lengths.
“We’re absolutely delighted to see him jump that well after he had that tumble last time out,” said Henderson’s assistant Ben Pauling.
“We knew he’d want more than two miles so this trip as ideal. Andrew said he was a bit keen early on but he’s stuck on well.”
Prince Of Pirates (11-8) rallied on the run-in under a power-packed Tony McCoy finish to lift the Mirror Punters Club Beginners’ Chase.
A mistake at the final fence appeared to leave the way clear for 5-4 favourite Habbie Simpson, but McCoy washaving none of it.
Sporting the JP McManus colours, which he carried to victory on Synchronised in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown a day earlier, McCoy galvanised his mount to get up close home to win by half a length.
“He made a few novicey mistakes, including at the last, and he waslooking round at everything,” said Pauling.
“Going back to his bumper form he beat Bobs Worth, so we know he’s got an engine.”
Tour D’Argent (4-7 favourite) was the easiest of the Henderson winners, landing the Pyramid Carpets “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle with theminimum of fuss. Bringing up adouble for McCoy, he made all of the running to score in a canter by nine lengths from An Capall Mor.
“I would think he might try to defy a penalty before going on to better races,” said Pauling.
Alex Ferguson was on track to see Harry The Viking (5-2) battle to a narrow victory in the Lynn Higgins 60th Birthday Novices’ LimitedHandicap Chase.
The Manchester United manager part owns the Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old, who was following up a debut success over fences on this course three weeks earlier.
A bad mistake six from home failed to affect Harry The Viking, who outpointed * korodu Road by a head in a rousing finish.
