Front-runner Duke Of Luckley completes hat-trick on his return from a break for Martin Keighley

Martin Keighley expressed his delight after topweight Duke Of Luckley completed a hat-trick under James Best in the 2m handicap chase.

The eight-year-old, who ran in the silks of late BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith for one season, built up a considerable lead early on and, despite beginning to tire in the closing stages, had enough in reserve to hold on to score by two lengths from Harel Du Marais, with 2-1 favourite El Muchacho a further 13 lengths back in third.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Keighley. "It was a step up in class and he had a lot of weight – it was a big ask. He’s a strong traveller and loves jumping. When he gets in a rhythm like that he's gaining a length over his fences."

Duke Of Luckley, who was running for the first time in 179 days, was completing his third consecutive victory following wins at this track and at Catterick in October and November respectively.

Best was on board for both those wins, and Keighley paid tribute to their partnership.

He said: "James is made for him as he's quite an aggressive rider; they're a good combination."

On Duke Of Luckley's next start, the trainer added: "This was his main target for his first run back as he loves it at Southwell. As for future plans, we'll see what the handicapper does and take it from there."

Eremenko excels

Eremenko is closely related to her Cheltenham Festival-winning stablemate Doddiethegreat, and she made a pleasing start to her career when running out a cosy winner of the 2m bumper for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey James Bowen.

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