Twiston-Davies claims record success in Bristol fashion

How do you wash away the misery of watching the one that got away? Catch an even bigger one 35 minutes later.

That's how it worked out on a topsy-turvy but ultimately record-breaking afternoon for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Even the most optimistic of trainers, in whose number the master of Grange Hill Farm can certainly be counted, would have been deflated by the outcome of the Grade 2 bet365-backed West Yorkshire Hurdle.

Not only did his Wholestone finish second in a race for which he was a morning market mover but he was beaten by Colin's Sister, whom the trainer knows very well.

"I used to own half the winner but I sold a half-share for five grand, so that was a disaster," he reflected of a mare who has now won five of her last six starts. "I was a bit miserable after that."

Things could only get better

But you can't keep a good man down and there is no race more likely to buck up Twiston-Davies's spirits than the Charlie Hall Chase.

He had won the race a record-equalling four times in the past thanks to Tipping Tim, Young Hustler and Ollie Magern (twice).

And there could be no better way to edge clear of the late Gordon Richards than to land a 1-2 in the contest that marks the start of the serious countdown to the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

That's exactly what he did as last season's Peter Marsh Chase winner Bristol De Mai showed that standout effort was no flash in the pan, leading from early on the final circuit.

Stablemate Blaklion was his only serious danger in the home straight and challenged at the last fence before going down by half a length, with the pair 23 lengths clear of the rest.

"I was always happy and he jumped well," said winning jockey Daryl Jacob, who was handed a two-day whip ban afterwards.

"He was a bit fresh early doors and in the end I let him stride along and that probably sorted him out. He's a very good horse on soft ground."

Betfair Chase the aim

Twiston-Davies said: "Bristol De Mai is a really nice horse, he's going for the Betfair Chase, and the soft ground, which it usually is up there, will suit him.

"He was always travelling today and I was very happy with him. It took something to give Blaklion 6lb, that's decent form.

"Blaklion will go for the Becher Chase; that 6lb means he shouldn't go up much in the weights."

Reflecting on his outstanding record in the Charlie Hall, he added: "This is the first big race of the season, so you aim for it – it's not a prep race."