Makhzoon takes Leicester prize

Makhzoon reaped the rewards of a dramatic conclusion to the Betfair Training Series Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Hurdle at Leicester today.

Approaching the final flight of the two-mile affair, victory for the Nicky Henderson-trained 2-5 favourite Ranjobaie looked a formality with jockey David Bass looking most confident.

But the race was turned upside down as he crashed out, leaving Ian Popham to come home two and three-quarter lengths clear on 18-1 chance Makhzoon.

Mark Jones, representing winning trainer Tim Vaughan, said: "Ian thinks he would have gone very close anyway and he'll be a proper little horse.

"It was his first run for us - we got him about six months ago from Paul Webber - and we've always liked what we've seen."

Orana Conti continued the theme of turn-ups in the Leicester Annual Members Novices' Handicap Chase.

There was absolutely nothing to recommend Mark Gillard's jumper on form, but piece of wind apparatus has worked the oracle as Tom Phelan drove her out for a 50-1 score.

Gillard explained: "The poor mare, she had a breathing operation that didn't work so we put in a plug - like a tube - and that has made all the difference.

"She was pulled up three times simply because she couldn't breathe.

"She had her first run back here 10 days ago and she was booked for second before falling at the last.

"We lumped on at 25s this morning as we thought that was big, so I couldn't believe she touched 66s here!"

Victory for Mickmacmagoole in the Clubroom Selling Hurdle was rather easier to predict.

Evan Williams rarely wastes the time of champion jockey Tony McCoy when he books him and the 2-1 shot brushed off 11-8 favourite Elk Trail with the minimum of fuss.

Despite coming eight lengths clear for his 10th career win, it was not enough to impress the sparse attendance in the Midlands and he went away without attracting a bid at the auction.

Bubble Boy's career has now been defined by causing a surprise and he went in at 40-1 in the Pam's 21st Birthday Handicap Chase.

It had been over two years since Brendan Powell's chestnut had last tasted success but he and Wilson Renwick showed grim determination as they followed closely behind Runshan around the three miles.

Somehow nothing else got into it and just when it looked like a late mistake had cost Bubble Boy, he sprang back to life to beat his rival by a nose.

"He has been a great servant, winning seven times now," said Powell.

"He has never run in a hurdle - he came from bumpers and then won first time over fences at Fontwell at 100-1 a few years ago.

"It was never happening at Sandown last time but a drop in class has helped."