DERRYLIN, Co Fermanagh trainer David Christie spotted a likely opening for Marinero in the Colts & Fillies Club Open Hunters’ Chase at Ascot on Sunday, though even he must have been surprised by the manner of the nine-year-old’s victory.

A 100/1 chance when contesting the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham, Marinero – 6/1 here – found this a much more straightforward task and went clear for Mr David Maxwell from two out, coming home 24 lengths clear of Numbercruncher. There must surely be more races for him in this sphere.

Elsewhere on an attractive Ascot jumps card, Kerry Lee and young jockey Richard Patrick completed a double with Happy Diva and Sir Will. However, the valuable Sport Relief/GBR Billion Steps Challenge, a juvenile handicap hurdle, went to the Paul Nicholls-trained top-weight Malaya.

One of the ‘home’ disappointments at Cheltenham came in the Triumph Hurdle, where Alan King’s Redicean faced a very different task compared to his fluent victories at Kempton. In the most recent of those he fairly sprinted away from Malaya but, even under 11st 12lb, the filly proved too good for Eragon De Chanay last weekend. Nicholls sensibly sidestepped Cheltenham with her and had his reward.