Cobden cashes in as Aucunrisque toughs it out in Sussex Champion Hurdle

Sunday: Plumpton

Harry Cobden made the most of a chance spare ride as Aucunrisque got up on the line to land the spoils in the £50,000 Sussex Champion Hurdle. The 13-8 favourite gamely denied Bashful Boy by a nose in the 2m handicap hurdle.

Cobden stepped in for the ride after the six-year-old’s regular jockey Tom Cannon was required to partner the Alan King-trained Midnights Legacy.

"Kingy has first claim on Tom and we are second in line but Henry was a more than able sub," said trainer Chris Gordon. "Aucunrisque showed what a tough, hardy horse he is, coming back to scrap it out like that after a hard race at Aintree.

"He’s done great for us and will have a couple of months out in the field now. I’m going to take him to Lambourn and pop him over a few fences to see if he is up to going chasing next season."

More staying joy for Williams

Christian Williams is always a name to watch out for in staying chases and was on the mark again with Jony Max in the 3m1½f handicap chase.

The seven-year-old was astutely ridden by his regular partner Jack Tudor, who bided his time before sending his mount to the front approaching the last.

"Jack was excellent and I think the horse enjoyed being ridden that way," said Williams. "He’s part of my summer team as he likes decent ground."

Hat-trick for Bourbali

Bourbali completed a hat-trick when landing the novice handicap hurdle under Brendan Powell, who was enjoying better fortune after picking up a 14-day ban for improper riding 24 hours earlier.

Results, replays, analysis

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