Bailey knows exactly what's best when it comes to quirky but talented winner

Kim Bailey freely admits Does He Know is quirky, but says he is also talented, and onlookers could see that for themselves in the novice chase sponsored by renowned bloodstock agent and former jockey Tom Malone.

"He's got a lot of ability, but has a weird way of going with his head," said Bailey. "It's just him and he has no right to be as good as he is, although we came here thinking we had every chance and I said to the sponsor yesterday I was rather hoping to take his prize away, especially as he didn't buy him.

"We have to do everything in a certain way with him at home, but you never mind that challenge when they've got ability."

Bailey enjoyed his best campaign last season since his heydays in the early 1990s and added: "I've got some really nice horses, so just hope they'll do their jobs."

Camprond and Aidan Coleman come good in the Persian WarCredit: Steve Davies

Hobbs hogs the Persian War again

The Unibet-backed Persian War has been kind to Philip Hobbs and the trainer won it for the sixth time with Camprond, but stable jockey Tom O'Brien did not see it turning out that way as he rode stablemate Luttrell Lad, who finished second.

Hobbs, whose previous winners include Bonanza Boy, Fingal Bay and Thyme Hill, could see where O'Brien was coming from and said: "It was Tom's decision, but it's not easy.

"He got it wrong, but it happens all the time. The winner had plenty of experience and the second was having just his second run over hurdles, but who knows what he's going to be long term. Maybe Tom's decision in the long term will prove right."

Hill thrills Nicholls

Late owner Andy Stewart was remembered in the title of the novice hurdle, so it was appropriate his main trainer Paul Nicholls won it with the promising Knappers Hill.

"It's fantastic to win this race and it was nice to train a winner for Andy's family at Worcester yesterday," said Nicholls. "It's lovely Andy's wife Judy is here today and that Knappers Hill is owned by Paul Barber and Paul Vogt, who were great mates with him.

"We wanted to make sure we won the race and Andy will be up there sending me a text saying the horse will definitely win at Cheltenham! The Stewart family have some nice young horses and his two boys – Mark and Paul – are keen to keep those famous colours going."

Some Chaos with a fine leap under Ben PosteCredit: Steve Davies

Chaos comes good

Owner Caroline Tisdall sponsored the £30,000 veterans' chase and Michael Scudamore was chuffed to capture it with Some Chaos, who was having his first run since a breathing operation.

"He loves what he does, so never gave the impression anything was bothering him – he's never made a noise in his life," said Scudamore.

"The veterans' series has been a wonderful success and it gives horses like him a chance. He's been a star – we don't have many horses rated 140 and he pays for himself every year."

Ring whip ban

Conor Ring was given an 11-day suspension by the stewards for whip offences aboard On Call, who landed the handicap chase for conditional jockeys.

Results, replays and analysis

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