Black back in winning form

Philip Hobbs’ veteran Out The Black hung on for a game victory in the Coolfun Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster.

The 11-year-old was treated for a similar heart problem to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman in 2007 and although he had won since, he had not shown his best in four starts this term.

Ridden patiently by Tom O’Brien, he held off the late challenge of Gidam Gidam by half a length with the pair 19 lengths clear of Idle Talk in third.

“Philip will be delighted with that win. This race has been the plan for some time,” said the trainer’s wife Sarah.

“He had a similar heart problem to Denman and had an operation over a year ago. We’re delighted he’s come back. He jumps for fun, the further the better and he needs good ground.”

Gidam Gidam’s jockey Phil Kinsella picked up a three-day ban (March 14-16) for careless riding.

The rest of the day was dominated by Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson who teamed up for a fantastic near 45-1 four-timer.

Lake Legend, Georgian King, Lidar and West End Rocker did the business a day after King brought up his 100th winner of the season, although the trainer himself was not in attendance.

Lidar (4-6) could not have been more impressive in winning the DBS Spring Sales Bumper.

Third at Newbury on his debut in January, he strolled away from the opposition to score by nine lengths from Miller’s Dawn, who pipped Nodform’s Violet for second.

“It was well-documented what we thought of him before he ran at Newbury and he ran a very sound race and showed a lot of promise,” said King’s assistant Noel Williams.

“But he’s stepped up massively again. He’s appreciated the step up in trip and this ground.

“He’s going to be pretty versatile ground wise and Wayne’s got off him and said he’s a serious horse. He is very exciting, a proper horse.”

Lake Legend initiated the four-timer with a smooth success in the State Club In Gainsborough Novices’ Hurdle.

The 4-6 favourite pulled clear on the run-in to beat Carndonagh by three and a half lengths with Burnt Oak third.

“He likes this quicker ground and enjoys bouncing off it. We’ll keep chipping away with him,” said Williams.

Georgian King (8-1) took a dramatic race for the Sands 5th Year Handicap Hurdle.

Also appreciating the faster conditions, Georgian King swept to victory by six lengths from the favourite Sheriff Hutton.

“We’ve hung on for this sort of ground as he hates the soft. He’ll be kept on the go now that the ground has come to suit him,” Williams added.

There was a nasty incident at the fourth-last where Arrayou, ridden by Dominic Elsworth and the Tjade Collier-partnered Leac An Scail crashed into the flight.

Both jockeys walked into back into the weighing room but after suffering his second fall of the day, Elsworth was stood down for the rest of the meeting.

West End Rocker (5-6) completed the foursome with a 14-length romp in the State Cinema In Gainsborough Beginners’ Chase.

There was a six-furlong run-in as the four fences in the straight were omitted on both circuits and although he made a mistake at what turned out to be the last, it made no difference.

“It’s been an awesome day and they don’t come along too often,” said Williams.

“It wasn’t ideal taking out those four fences in the home straight but for safety that is what you have to do. He ploughed through what was the last.

“I’m so pleased for Wayne, he’s had some bad injuries so it’s great