Denis O'Regan combined skill with a little showmanship as he took both divisions of Leicester's two-mile novices' hurdle on fine prospects for the John Ferguson stable.

There will not be many cheekier victories seen all season than that of the ex-Andre Fabre-trained Pine Creek in the first leg, while smart Flat horse Whispering Gallery was given the ideal first experience of his new occupation later on.

Never short on confidence when in with a chance, O'Regan exceeded himself on Pine Creek as he sidled alongside a hard-at-work Tony McCoy on the run-in. It would have been interesting to read the champion jockey's thoughts as his motionless rival poked the 6-5 favourite's head in front on the line.

The trainer said: "Denis has been riding a while and he knows what he has got underneath him. It was only his second run over hurdles. It was very heavy when he ran at Folkestone and it was great for him to win on better ground without having a hard race. Hopefully it's onwards and upwards."

Ferguson received another trophy and first-aid kit from sponsors Aquafield Training And Event Cover through Whispering Gallery, who was rated 112 on the Flat with Saeed bin Suroor and had beaten Godolphin's top-class Opinion Poll on his most recent outing in a Group Three at Meydan in March 2011.

Only given his head at the final flight, the 8-11 favourite tore two and three-quarter lengths away from Wake Your Dreams.

The trainer added: "He's a lovely, long horse and Denis said he was very rusty. You never know what they are going to do when they have been off a long time, but he had high-quality form on the Flat and stays the trip. I was very happy with him."

Venetia Williams was in tremendous form at Taunton on Monday with a treble and something had rubbed off on Reginaldinho in the Hose Thorns Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old needed rousting along by Liam Treadwell but eventually drew seven lengths clear as the 2-1 favourite.

Williams' representative Jerry Roberts said: "It's not before time. He hadn't won for the owners, but he had been promising to do so for a while. I think you'd have to say he wants to step up in trip."

It was a mixed afternoon for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and his son Sam, with Cool Touch rising unscathed after taking a tired fall at the second-last flight with the Dove Selling Hurdle at his mercy, and Same Difference spreadeagling his opposition in the Leicester Annual Members' Novices' Chase.

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