McCain completes Mission at Doncaster

Donald McCain's Cool Mission showed a determined attitude to get off the mark in the EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster.

The six-year-old was sent off at 22-1 despite finishing third on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield as all the money came for the Tony McCoy-ridden favourite Four Strong Winds.

However, the favourite ruined his chance by pulling ferociously in the early stages as Jason Maguire led his rivals a merry dance on the winner.

He was headed two out but battled back to beat Nicky Henderson's Larks Lad by just over a length with Premier Sagas third and the 5-4 the favourite only fifth.

"He was gutsy, he finished second in a good bumper for Alan Swinbank last year so he looked a big price," said McCain.

"He's not quick and his jumping took a while to come together. He's backward and looks like a chaser for the future."

Favourite backers did not have to wait long for the first to oblige as Charlie Longsdon's Hidden Keel justified 11-10 favouritism in the sportingbet.com "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

Paddy Brennan employed similar tactics to Maguire 30 minutes previously on the strapping grey but he was also headed on the long run-in.

Irish Symphony had the advantage of the rail but Brennan cajoled his mount back to the front after the last and he held on by a neck.

"I thought I was beat going to the last," said Brennan.

"I just had to nurse him home. He's just a shell of a horse at the moment and he'll make a lovely chaser."