Hunting spell helps Almaydan to win at Southwell

A spell hunting had the desired effect on Almaydan (7-1), who returned to form with victory in the You're Either Vegas Or You're Not Mansion House Handicap Chase at Southwell.

Richard Lee’s charge had been off the boil on his last three starts but made no mistake on this occasion.

Robert Thornton, re-routed from Southwell due to Cheltenham’s abandonment, had his mount nicely settled in the front rank along with 100-30 favourite and eventual runner-up Bleu Superbe.

The pair fought out a rare battle from the off, but Almaydan had more petrol in the tank when it mattered and crossed the line with two and a half lengths to spare from his nearest rival to give Thornton his 50th victory of the season.

“We’ve been out hunting a couple of times since his last run and that has sharpened him up no end,” said Lee.

“We put the blinkers on for a first time but I didn’t think it had that much effect; it was more an advertisement for hunting. It was a really good effort in a good heat. There are no plans for him now though, that was the plan.”