Dai Walters notched another winner at the course he owns as Whisper strolled to victory in the EBF/Sun Trade Windows 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle at Ffos Las.

The Nicky Henderson-trained youngster had been found wanting behind At Fishers Cross and The New One at Cheltenham last month, but dropped in grade he was sent off the 4-9 favourite to get back on the winning trail.

Jockey Andrew Tinkler never had a moment of worry as Whisper pulled 18 lengths clear of Rydon Pynes.

Owner Walters said: "He's a good horse. It was only his second run over hurdles and he was in good company at Cheltenham. We didn't want to dishearten him and run him too hard. I'm not sure about Cheltenham, I'll leave it to Nicky. It's nice to have winners here, but it's nice to have them anywhere."

Tinkler added on At The Races: "He was odds-on favourite and won like one should. The last race he ran well, but it was a good race, and against easier opposition he's won nicely. He feels a nice horse at the moment, but I don't feel he'll be at his best until he gets on a sounder surface."

Neil Mulholland secured a landmark success with the Chris Meehan-ridden Matrow's Lady (3-1 joint-favourite) in the Dunraven Stud Mares' Handicap Hurdle. The victory meant he had passed his best total of winners for a season with months still to run.

The trainer said: "It's fantastic. We've just moved to a new yard in Bath and with it being a first season you have your fingers crossed that it goes well. Thankfully things are going very well. I hope the handicapper doesn't go overboard. She's exposed but has handled the conditions better than others."

Daryl Jacob is always worth following when he rides for Nick Williams and the combination struck with Material Boy (4-1) in the Braceys The Friendly Builders Merchant Novices' Handicap Chase.

Paddy Brennan and trainer Tom George are enjoying a good season, and Seigneur Des Bois (3-1 joint-favourite) is one of several horses to have joined the yard from Ferdy Murphy after the Crossed Fingers Partnership switched allegiance. The jockey said: "He'll improve a lot from this."

There was a shock in the hunters' chase as 4-6 favourite Tricky Trickster was turned over by Bobs Law (5-1), while Come On Annie sprang a huge 66-1 shock in the Dunraven Windows Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

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