NATIONAL Hunt racing has sadly lost committed supporters Alan and Ann Potts but their colours were carried to another victory at the three-day meeting (following Finian’s Oscar on Friday) when Fox Norton justified 4/5 favouritism in the Grade 2 Schloer Chase over two miles.

The seven-year-old jumped slightly left at times for Bryan Cooper but moved up to challenge seasoned veteran Special Tiara at the third-last fence and went away to beat Cloudy Dream by eight lengths. Special Tara was right behind in third.

Fox Norton is very effective first time up and was winning this race for the second year in succession.

FASTER GROUND

Ideally he wants faster ground but the Tingle Creek at Sandown next month must be a strong temptation, especially with Altior out of the reckoning.

“We never bring these high-class horses to the races unless they’re fully fit,” observed trainer Colin Tizzard. “Even so, I’m sure he’ll improve on that. The way he crosses a fence and the way he stays on, he’s a pure two-miler, isn’t he?”