5lb out the handicap - no problem! Master Breffni lands feature chase for Micky Hammond

Master Breffni was a smooth winner of the feature three-runner 2m3f novice handicap chase.

The Micky Hammond-trained seven-year-old raced from 5lb out the handicap but was heavily eased on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths under Conor O’Farrell.

Hammond, who trained last year's runner-up Carrigeen Castle, said: “He likes it around Catterick and it was a nice prize to win. The race may have fallen apart a little but we’re pleased with him.

“He’s still open to a bit more improvement and hopefully can win a race or two more for us. He’s a handful at home and knows all the tricks – only Aiden [Brookes] can ride him – but he has plenty of ability to go with it."

Half century

Henry Brooke rode his 50th winner of the season when bottomweight Sean Og defied a market drift in the 3m1f handicap chase.

The Dianne Sayer-trained seven-year-old was as short as 7-2 on the day but drifted to 16-1 by the off.

Brooke’s mount defied the market vibes, going clear approaching the last and winning by three and a half lengths.

On a roll

Conditional Fern O’Brien took her jumps record at Catterick to 2-2 with victory aboard Quian in the 2m3½f female jockeys’ handicap hurdle.

The Lizzie Quinlan-trained Quian is joint-owned by former jockey Paddy Brennan and gained back-to-back course wins by two lengths.

Don't miss your invaluable companion to the Cheltenham Festival, out Friday, February 28. Order here