'Luckily I don't have to ride him!' - quirky Al Roc makes Pipe's trip worthwhile

Fakenham: Sunday

The 280-mile journey from David Pipe's Nicholashayne base was made worthwhile when the stable's sole runner Al Roc ran out a commanding winner of the feature 2m5f handicap chase under Philip Armson.

The 11-year-old won at Listed level and placed in a Grade 2 in France earlier in his career, but operates in much calmer waters nowadays and was helped here by the falls of Shetland Bus and, particularly, Topofthecotswolds.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Topofthecotswolds fell when clear three out leaving Al Roc to take command to win by 22 lengths, with 2-1 favourite Percussion an outpaced second.

Pipe, who operates at a 41 per cent strike-rate at the track, said: "We like Fakenham, they put up good prize-money, so it's a journey well spent.

"We had luck on our side with the two fallers but he was down in the handicap so deserved to win.

"He's a gentleman in his box but very quirky to ride, you need to keep your wits about you, but luckily I don't have to ride him!"

Richard Newland, who trained Al Roc when he first arrived in Britain, saddled a winner of his own when Jubilee Gold made a winning debut in the 2m maiden hurdle.

Brace for Bannister

Harry Bannister recorded a double on the card when getting Miami Present to bounce back from a string of disappointing runs to win the 3m handicap chase, after which Fine By Her stormed to a 12-length victory in the 2m7½f novice handicap hurdle.

Replays, results and analysis

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