Black Jack Ketchum back in action

Jonjo O'Neill's much-touted seven-year-old Black Jack Ketchum made a highly pleasing return to action when sluicing home under a confident Tony McCoy in the Mears Group "Relkeel" Hurdle.

McCoy settled his mount in third place as market rival Blazing Bailey cut out the early running but asked him to move closer as the field were halfway down the back straight.

The 4-11 favourite then tracked King’s charge as the leading duo stretched clear of their rivals coming down the hill for the final time.

And while Blazing Bailey (11-4) responded to Thornton’s urgings, noticeably quickening the pace off the home turn, McCoy was always going best aboard Black Jack Ketchum.

He produced his mount to lead at the last and the pair readily stretched out to put the result beyond any doubt, passing the post with a ready three lengths to spare.