Love conquers all at Exeter

Love Of Tara led home a 1-2 for Cheltenham trainer Martin Keighley, who provided Dan Hiskett a first winner in the saddle in the Dartmouth Term of "65" England Expects Amateur Riders' Novices' Hurdle at Exeter today.

The youngster was having just his second ride when getting the leg-up aboard the mare, who built on her two outings at Bangor to reward market support at odds of 8-1 and deny stablemate Mauricetheathlete by three and a half lengths.

Hiskett said: "I am in my first season and that is only my second ride so it is brilliant.

"She jumped and stayed well and there should be improvement in her."

Keighley: "That is great for Danny, who is my amateur and works very hard in the yard.

"The winner has been shaping as if she would improve over a longer trip and the extra distance has helped her."

Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh combined for a bloodless success with French import Rebel Du Maquis in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Hurdle.

The even-money favourite had finished runner-up on his three outings in his native land, but went one place better with a 17-length canter.

Nicholls said: "We didn't know whether to send him chasing or go over hurdles as he had been running over fences in France.

"I have schooled him over fences at home, but I suppose we will stay over hurdles for now.

"He's a nice prospect and doesn't mind how soft the ground is. He will stay further."