Chris Hughes delight as Annie Mc cut for Mares' Chase

Annie Mc outlined her credentials for the inaugural Mares' Chase at Cheltenham by romping to victory in the Listed 2m4½f Yorkshire Silver Vase at Doncaster under Richie McLernon.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained six-year-old picked up three consecutive wins last winter before finishing down the field in the Marsh Novices' Chase.

She returned with two creditable runs in the Old Roan Chase and Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and relished the return to mares' company.

Sent off the 11-4 favourite, Annie Mc travelled strongly throughout in attritional conditions, jumping expertly and streaking 16 lengths clear of the Paul Nicholls-trained Cut The Mustard.

"She's always been a smart filly and that was great," O'Neill said of Annie Mc, who is owned by Chris Hughes and the Coral Champions Club.

"The soft ground helped her and Richie gave her a great spin, so it all worked out well. On the way she went there, I'd say we'd be going for the new Mares' Chase at Cheltenham. I was thinking that before the race though!

"Chris Hughes has always loved her and is still a big fan, although I'd say she was the only one who went in the ground."

Bet365 cut Annie Mc to 14-1 (from 25) for the Mares' Chase at the festival in March.

Fans' Favourites: Love is in the air for Chris Hughes and Annie Mc

Est Illic denies Nicholls

Est Illic, a bargain £3,800 buy for Sarah-Jayne Davies in October, won for the second time in as many starts for his new trainer with an exhilarating success in the 2m½f handicap chase.

The six-year-old, ridden by Jordan Nailor, battled the Paul Nicholls-trained Fast Buck up the home straight before prevailing by a head to deny the Ditcheat maestro what would have been his 100th winner of the season.

Results, replays and analysis

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