Brennan back to basics after Cue Card heroics

Paddy Brennan spent Sunday letting the magnitude of Cue Card's sensational third Betfair Chase victory sink in, but he wasted no time switching his mind back to the day job at a wet and wild Ludlow.

On his first ride since stepping off the eight-time Grade 1 winner at Haydock, Brennan steered Vice Et Vertu through the driving rain to register a comfortable success in the 3m novices' handicap chase.

Results and analysis

"I had a day off on Sunday celebrating," said the in-form jockey. "It's been good to take it all in as it wasn't just about Saturday, it was also what we've got to look forward to now. The more you look at it, the more you have to say he was unbelievable and at his very best."

On potentially renewing rivalry with Coneygree in the 32Red King George VI Chase, he added: "I would love to meet him again, it would be a brilliant rematch and brilliant for racing."

Vice Et Vertu extended Henry Daly's record at his local course this season to three winners from four runners, and the trainer was relieved to see the Neville Statham & Family-owned chaser get back on track.

"I did him a disservice last year as I ran him on heavy ground and floored him," the trainer said. "Top weight in a lesser race has suited him well and he's a lovely big horse for staying chases."

Brennan had to settle for the runner-up spot on his other ride as Owen Na View played second fiddle to Tornado In Milan in the closing stages of the feature £18,000 handicap chase.

The 11-8 favourite relished the testing conditions to score by eight lengths and give trainer Evan Williams a second double in two days after Old Salt had got the ball rolling in the colours of Billy Bates.

Theatre stars in Twiston-Davies double

Nigel Twiston-Davies was quick to divert praise towards owner Jimmy Wenman after Tintern Theatre confirmed the promise of his debut in the first division of the 2m maiden hurdle.

The five-year-old was well and truly put in his place by the Challow Hurdle-bound Robin Roe at Aintree last month, but he did not finish far behind subsequent Market Rasen scorer No Comment.

"He was a bit buzzy last time but the form has worked out well and he's a very nice horse," said Twiston-Davies.

"The owner bought him in Ireland after a few too many drinks so I can't take any of the credit."

Twiston-Davies, who doubled up with Scotchtown in the 2m5f novice hurdle, faces a crucial couple of weeks with Ballyoptic and Blaklion in action at Newbury's Hennessy meeting and The New One on course to make his chasing debut at either Sandown or Exeter next week.

Thought for the day

The course has a loyal customer base who turn out in force for the midweek meetings, but only the die-hards braved the persistent rain, which officials predicted had reached 30mm by the end of play