Ewan Whillans eyeing further riches after springing surprise with new recruit

Fledgling trainer Ewan Whillans expressed his excitement for the months ahead after causing a 25-1 upset with new recruit Arvico Bleu.

Whillans took over the reins at his father Alistair's dual-purpose yard in Hawick in the summer and his solid start continued with a horse he bought at the sales last month for £9,000.

Arvico Bleu, formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead for Gigginstown, won a beginners' chase at Clonmel in June before a below-par run the following month and caught his trainer by surprise on his stable debut in the 2m novices' limited handicap chase.

Whillans said: "I thought he'd need the run as he's not done much work. He's a massive horse and maybe he needs less work than we thought.

"I knew the track and ground would suit him and he jumps well. There aren't many two-mile chasers at this end of the country and although he's nine, we'll get a good two years out of him."

The 36-year-old former jump jockey won with the first runner under his name when Cracking Destiny scored at Stratford in August and the five-time chase winner could run in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 24.

The stable also acquired £130,000 top lot Hold The Note at the horse-in-training sales in May and the smart chaser is likely to be out in December.

Whillans, who has sent out four winners over both codes, said: "They're nice horses to have in the yard and you need those Saturday horses. We'll have around 30 jumpers for the season and I'm enjoying it.

"Dad's in good form, he's been in Benidorm for a week with his pals, and is still very involved. I debated with him whether to bring this horse here today as I didn't know how fit he'd be, and he'll be taking the credit for it."

Hartley in great heart

Owner Neil Hartley had a day to remember after celebrating his first double courtesy of Hart Of Steel and Malpas.

The pair formed part of a 143-1 across-the-card four-timer for red-hot trainer Donald McCain, who won the 2m handicap chase with Armattiekan and was also on the mark at Wincanton with See The Sea.

Hart Of Steel landed the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle under Theo Gillard, while Malpas, a faller on three of his previous four hurdle starts, took the 2m1f novice hurdle for Brian Hughes.

"It's fantastic and also quite poignant in a way as Malpas is an ex-Trevor Hemmings horse and it means a bit more to us," said Hartley, whose claret and blue colours are inspired by Burnley FC.

O'Neill on the mark

Jonjo O'Neill Jr made the most of his sole ride when bringing home Quartz Du Rheu for his third win in his last four starts in the 3m½f handicap chase.

"He found it a bit tough when he first came over [from Ireland], but he's really got his act together," said the winning jockey. "His jumping was very good and three miles is definitely his right trip."

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