'Over the moon' Christian Williams lands dream Eider Chase-Coral Trophy double

Christian Williams often cuts a calm and collected figure but even he could not conceal his delight after recording two big-race winners at opposite ends of the country in a sensational half-hour for the yard.

The trainer landed the Eider Chase at Newcastle with Win My Wings, who was sent off the 11-2 favourite, having been 20-1 overnight.

Ryan Mania brought his mount to the fore two-out and jumped three lengths clear of Eclair Surf at the penultimate fence. The Classic Chase winner closed the gap after the last, but Win My Wings had more than enough in the tank to hold on in the marathon contest.

Eider Chase: full result, replay and analysis

Speaking after the Eider, Williams said: "She was good and fresh today. She didn't scope quite right three weeks ago but we managed to get her back in good form and scoped her two days ago, it's brilliant.

"We took a chance with the cheekpieces. The owner gave me a bit of stick but I thought we needed to improve a little bit and that the cheekpieces might help her. She travelled sweetly the whole way."

Around 20 minutes after Win My Wings had entered the winner's enclosure, the Welsh trainer then saddled a superb one-two in the £150,000 Coral Trophy Handicap Chase down south at Kempton.

The race was wide open entering the home straight, where the Williams-trained Cap Du Nord, fifth in the race last season, made relentless progress as stablemate Kitty's Light came into contention.

However, it was Cap Du Nord and Jack Tudor who stretched out their advantage between the penultimate and the final fence before galloping clear to score by two and three-quarter lengths.

Coral Trophy: full result, replay and analysis

Shortly before collecting his prize from David Elsworth, Williams said: "I'm over the moon and pleased for the owners and staff. Our horses have started to come to themselves after a quiet winter.

Christian Williams: trained the winners of the Eider Chase and Coral TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Cap Du Nord deserves that but he was lucky to get in off a mark of 127. The owner was trying to force me to go to Carlisle last Monday but I managed to put him off and we've come here six days later. We've not shied away from big races with him and he's done it well."

It was an ever-so-slightly bittersweet victory for Tudor, whom Williams said has a soft spot for the runner-up and has even sent the trainer aeroplane emojis after partnering Kitty's Light in his work. Williams said he could be aimed at the Scottish Grand National.

"I've always held Kitty's Light in high regard and he's probably the best horse we train," said Tudor. "With the weight and everything I think it was more in Cap Du Nord's favour, which lent me towards him. Everything fell into place and he's finally had his day in the sun.

"It’s massive to have a big-race success and Christian's won the two big staying chases today so that shows something. This horse has been running well and he’s finally got his chance to win a big race."

Read these next:

'That was impressive, he's most definitely Britain’s main hope for the Triumph'

Adonis Hurdle: Knight Salute maintains unbeaten hurdling record with third Grade 2 win

The Cheltenham Ultimate Guide is everything the smart punter needs for the 2022 Cheltenham Festival. With big-race previews, tips, trends and much, much more, the Cheltenham Ultimate Guide has it all. Order now.