TO his great relief, Philip Hobbs has left the problems of last season behind and his Somerset stable is firing again.

One of its most popular inmates, the out-and-out stayer Rock The Kasbah, ran out the deserving winner of the marathon handicap chase in the hands of Dickie Johnson.

Rock The Kasbah had the form, especially his second in the bet365 Gold Cup in the spring, to make 9/1 look a very fair price here.

Taking over before two out, he kept on well to hold Royal Vacation by just over a length but a special cheer went up for Coneygree.

The former Gold Cup winner who was pulled up on both outings last term but ran a cracker in this, taking over at the eighth and jumping well until headed in the straight.

KING GEORGE

“To have him back is wonderful,” said assistant trainer Sara Bradstock. “Just bring on some soft ground. He could possibly go for the King George but let’s see how he is after this.”

By contrast, Hobbs wants good ground for his redoubtable galloper.

“We were a bit disappointed with his return at Chepstow but he jumped fantastically here and we’re delighted. He’ll go for the National and we’ll work back from there,” he said.