Alex Hales bounces back from Boxing Day disappointment with double

Wednesday: Catterick

Alex Hales admitted to feeling slightly disappointed with stable star Millers Bank's run in the King George but showed his team was in strong form when Happy And Fine ran out an easy winner of the 2m3½f handicap hurdle.

The five-year-old was recording back-to-back wins after success at Market Rasen and his trainer was also among the winners at Leicester, providing hope for the months ahead.

Of Millers Bank's sixth-placed effort at Kempton he said: "I was delighted to be a part of it but slightly frustrated we didn't finish a little bit closer. I think the ground was against him and he's a better horse in the spring – we're not finished yet."

Happy And Fine will not take up an engagement at Uttoxeter on Saturday but Hales hopes can he progress further after blossoming with time and the application of cheekpieces.

"He was a bit weak last year, he's quite a big-framed horse and the summer has done him the world of good," he said.

"We're building to fences further down the line. Bryan [Carver] just felt he got a bit lonely in front but said he still had enough horse under him if something came to challenge him. He looks the right type to go forward again."

Greatrex double

Warren Greatrex's resurgence gathered momentum as he registered a double courtesy of Bolsover Bill and Pilot Show, while the trainer also went close with Line Of Descent.

"People might start to think I know what I'm doing!" the trainer joked. "We like having days like today and they're all young horses with more to offer."

Greatrex's good run of form could continue at Cheltenham on New Year's Day when he unleashes Newbury winner Abuffalosoldier.

Results, replays and analysis

WIN two Club Enclosure tickets for the Tuesday at the Cheltenham Festival 2023! It's simple and free to enter, all you need to do is log in to your bookmaker account on our new app and wait for the pop-up to make your entry. Download the app here.