Bai Zhu offers Henderson consolation

Today is a day Nicky Henderson will be eager to forget but Bai Zhu salvaged something from the wreckage by claiming a nose victory in the totesport Supports West Berkshire Mencap "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.

The morning started with the Seven Barrows handler having to scratch Triumph Hurdle hopeful Super Kenny from the opening race due to lameness, while leading RSA Chase candidate Punchestowns is suffering the same problem.

Henderson's bad fortune was them compounded by the fatal fall of Flemmingsbond at Doncaster and Bai Zhu also put him through the mill with his nip-and-tuck finish.

Felix de Giles' mount travelled with a degree of purpose but found The Big Orse keeping tabs as he tried to put the race to bed.

The pair battled along the run-in and it was only right on the line that Henderson's 10-1 second string prevailed.

"I didn't think he had got there and the way today has gone, I'd be amazed if anything had gone right," said Henderson.

"It was no surprise Bai Zhu won rather than Chef Junior (fifth) but they are both nice chasing types."

Moleskin was beaten a nose into fourth and his rider Josh Guerriero was handed a 10-day suspension on dates to be notified for failing to ride out for third place.

French import Super Kenny's Cheltenham Festival dreams went up in smoke after he was found to be lame causing his withdrawal from the Arbuthnot Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

Henderson added: "That is the fourth time he has been within 48 hours of seeing a racecourse and it has been a different problem every time."

His absence left Fred Winter entry Rougham to wipe the floor as the 1-5 favourite, but Philip Hobbs' four-year-old is another likely to sidestep the Cotswolds in two weeks' time.

Hobbs' wife, Sarah, said: "He jumped well but he is big and still a baby so we may miss Cheltenham this year and find another race like this."

Caroline Keevil is in just her third year with a licence but the Somerset trainer is developing a liking for success at Grade One tracks and added Newbury to her haul as Sound Stage landed the Arkell's Brewery Novices' Handicap Chase.

The 5-4 favourite provided Keevil with a Cheltenham victory before Christmas and the seven-year-old will return there next month after clawing into Buffalo Bob's lead to go nearly four lengths clear.

"That is my third runner here and my first winner so it is a case of third time lucky!" said Keevil.

"The key to him is better ground and he will now go to Cheltenham next month."

Chaninbar returned to the Berkshire track after his mid-field finish in the totesport Trophy and ran out an easy winner of the Securon Handicap Chase.

Milton Harris' 6-1 chance pinged the cross-fence full of running and gradually drew clear to land his first race over fences for nearly two years under Sean Quinlan.

Harris said: "I have to give credit to Ed Telfor who looks after him and has been schooling him every day.

"He is in at Doncaster tomorrow and we will see how he is before making a decision about that."

Venetia Williams struck while the iron is hot with Maraafeq and last Sunday's facile Fontwell winner was turned out to oblige as the 6-4 favourite in the Stan James Supports West Berkshire Mencap Handicap Hurdle.