Armaguedon repays faith

The lightly-raced eight-year-old put Dobbin on the floor on the gelding's debut over fences last month, but the jockey remained faithful to the horse and they came good with a battling display.

Armaguedon looked booked for the runner-up's slot when headed at the final fence by Shares, but Dobbin asked his mount for maximum effort and the 9-4 chance responded gamely to record a dramatic short-head verdict.

''He's been one of the nicest and easiest horses to school at home and he was always brilliant at home, so we were so very disappointed to see him on the deck at Ayr,'' said winning trainer Len Lungo.

''Tony said he never got a leg out on landing and he said 'don't worry about it he was just unlucky'. So I'm delighted with that performance.

''We always thought the world of him, but he's been off with a leg so touch wood let's hope he stays sound.''

Dobbin was completing a 51/2-1 double having been on the mark when Etched In Stone galloped his rivals into the ground to take the nitex.co.uk ''National Hunt'' Novices' Hurdle.

Nicky Richards' charge had won his bumper after making all the running, but was beaten on his hurdles debut next time when he was ridden with more restraint.

However, front-running tactics were applied again and they paid off as the even-money favourite strode clear to beat Boulders Beach by two-and-a-half lengths.

''Mine weren't probably firing on all cylinders when he was beaten last time and we maybe didn't ride him the best way either,'' Richards said.

''He's slightly headstrong and there's no doubt he's better off in front because he relaxes.

''We'll get him educated and step him up in trip - all he was doing was staying - the further he was going the easier he was going to win.

''Better ground will probably suit him as well and hopefully he'll run in something nice in the spring.''

Spitfire Sortie made a belated but successful start to his career in the Saltwell Signs Maiden National Hunt Flat Race.

The son of Sadler's Wells is a half-brother to Group Three winner Mousse Glacee, but has been plagued with injuries and has not had the chance to prove himself on the Flat.

But patience has clearly paid dividends as Mick Easterby's charge recorded an effortless eight-length success over Nevertika in the hands of Thomas Greenall.

The trainer's son and assistant David said: ''He came to us from Mark Johnston with some form of a leg problem.

''We've done all sorts of things with him, including laser work, and we canter him uphill for three furlongs on the bridle, three times in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

''So we didn't really know what he'd be like over two miles but he cantered two miles quite well.

''If he jumps hurdles he could be anything.''

A day out hunting did the trick for Briar's Mist as the Chris Grant-trained gelding put up a sound staying performance to win the BBC Radio Newcastle Handicap Chase.

The nine-year-old had shown little in his three starts this term but a trip with the South Durham brought about a return to form.

Richie McGrath sent the 8-1 shot to the front going down the far side for the final time and seeing the three and three-quarter miles out well, the grey held off the persistent challenge of High Cotton by three-quarters of a length.

''My wife Sue took him hunting on Saturday and it really wakes him up. We did it last year with him and he went and won,'' explained Grant.

''Trip, ground and weight were all right for him today and we'll try and fine a similar sort of race for him on a stiff track.''

Euro American hacked up in the NGI Handicap Hurdle leaving connections to worry about the official assessor's reaction to the gelding's eased-down victory.

Alan Dempsey was always oozing confidence on the 11-2 chance and once he gave Euro American his head on the run to the penultimate flight there was never cause to worry as he cruised clear to beat Fred's In The Know by four lengths.

''He's done it too easy and the handicapper will be having a look at that,'' said trainer Edwin Tuer.