Melodic Rendezvous provided trainer Jeremy Scott and jockey Nick Scholfield with the first Grade One success of their careers in the 32Red Hurdle (registered as the Tolworth Hurdle) at Sandown.

The seven-year-old opened his account over timber last month at Cheltenham and was sent off a 7-2 chance, with Royal Boy, who finished behind him that day, favourite to gain his revenge.

Melodic Rendezvous was travelling well turning in and when Royal Boy, who took them along with Pendra, made yet another blunder at the second-last, he made his challenge. Pendra stuck gamely to the task but lost his unbeaten record, beaten four and a half lengths.

Scott said: "The owners have been patient and we have ticked away with him. He has grown in stature and it was lovely to come here today. He started to bloom when won his bumper, the penny dropped and everything came together.

"I expect he'll end up in the Supreme, but he will be put in both races (Supreme and Neptune at Cheltenham). He's a deceptive horse, but he does show plenty at home.

"We've been second a few times in Grade Ones so it's nice to pick one up and Nick is a tremendous asset to us, he's very much part of the team."

Asked if the winner is the best horse he has trained, Scott added: "I think Empiracle is a very nice horse too and he goes straight to Cheltenham for the Festival (Champion Bumper). I can't choose between the two, they are both very nice horses."

Jockey Noel Fehily said of Pendra: "He wasn't disgraced at all and I think they are two very nice horses", while trainer Nicky Henderson said of third Royal Boy: "It was only the second time on a racecourse and he didn't really jump well enough."

Paddy Power went 16-1 from 25s about the winner for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March and go the same price for the Neptune.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests