River flows too strong for Ascot rivals

Elenas River pulverised his rivals in the opening Grosvenor Casinos Novices’ Chase at Ascot today.

The 11-4 favourite made most under Richard Johnson to beat Dragon Hunter by no less than 18 lengths.

His trainer Philip Hobbs said the eight-year-old gelding would be seen out next in a similar event under a penalty.

“We might even keep him going through the summer,” he added. “He stays really well and did it impressively as the ground was probably against him.”