Briery outfoxes rivals

Leighton Aspell stepped in for the spare ride aboard Briery Fox and guided the 12-year-old from last to first in the Independent Newspaper Veterans' Handicap Chase at Ascot today.

With regular rider Mark Bradburne currently sidelined by a back injury sustained in a fall at Kelso, Aspell stepped into the plate on the Henry Daly-trained grey and enjoyed the perfect result.

The 11-4 favourite has been a great servant to connections and was beaten by just a neck in the Bet365 Gold Cup last April.

And despite coming from off the pace to wing the final fence for his near two-length beating of Oscar Park, a return to Sandown next weekend is a major doubt.

Joint-owner and breeder, Helen Plumbly, said: "He was just pipped by Mr McCoy in the Bet365 last year but I don't think he will run again this time as he needs three weeks between his races.

"We only left him in the race in case it came up soft here as he likes top of the ground.

"He has been a star to us all but whether he carries on next year, I don't know. But I suppose if he is well and enjoying himself he may do."

Aspell added: "I spoke to Mark and got some instructions off him. He is currently lying flat on his back in Scotland but will hopefully be moved back down south next week.

"This horse is a lovely old boy and has been running in good races. He relaxed and got into a rhythm and finished well."

Warren Greatrex is nearing the end of his first season in charge of Weathercock House and he capped a successful year with his first winner at Ascot as Hellfire Club landed the Colts & Fillies Club Maiden Hurdle.

The trainer's previous six representatives at the Berkshire circuit had all failed to strike but the 11-4 chance righted that statistic under Wayne Hutchinson.

Greatrex said: "He almost provided me with my first ever winner when pipped at Kempton and then fell at Taunton.

"That is it for this season now and he will go chasing next winter."

Chris Gordon was another to shed his Ascot maiden tag as King Edmund made every yard of the running in the HS Group Novices' Chase.

The 11-4 winner had some solid form in the book including a third to Long Run and he kept on well to prevent Postmaster from delivering.

Gordon commented: "He has won three for us this season and will make a nice handicapper next season."

Soulard was another front-runner to oblige as the 2-1 favourite in the Playhouse Company Handicap Chase.

Tom George's seven-year-old was awarded his last race in the stewards' room but needed no help from officials this time to collect by four lengths.

Owner Heather Haddock said: "I'll have to speak to Tom to see if he runs again but he does like this better surface. However, that might just be it as today was the aim."

Alhaque appreciated hearing his hooves rattle and encountering quick ground for the first time allowed the 14-1 chance to secure the William & Son Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Trainer Gary Moore commented: "His schooling has been good so I was hopeful, but he has some issues which we will sort out during the summer."

Ameeq had plenty of questions to answer upped to three miles in the Fatboy Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle but he rose to the occasion for a 25-1 success.