'He showed us he had lots of ability from day one' - Shomen Uchi makes 'perfect start' to chasing career after two-year absence

Shomen Uchi overcame a 701-day absence when making a winning chasing debut in the 2m4f novice.

Not seen since winning a Chepstow maiden by 11 lengths in March 2023, the gelding put in a great round of jumping and found plenty on the run-in to score by two-and-a-half lengths, with 2-5 favourite Butch, entered in the Brown Advisory, only managing third.

The eight-year-old's trainer, Sam Thomas, said: "He got a leg after he won at Chepstow and he's just taken a long time to get back. I've always loved him, he's a real character and from day one he showed us he had a lot of ability, so it's great to just finally get him back on track. It was the perfect start.

"He's always been really straightforward in his jumping, he took to it naturally. We had him in the three miler, but I just swayed towards the two and a half as, although Butch was rated 141 and we were wrong at the weights slightly, I felt it would be a better experience.

"I'm thrilled for the horse and also the boss [Dai Walters], who has been patient. He's a lovely horse, so hopefully we get him back safe and sound, and we'll make some plans from there."

Thomas and jockey Dylan Johnston were completing a double having earlier teamed up with C'Est Different, who won the 2m3½f novice handicap hurdle eased down.

Tanganyika: made it back-to-back wins for Venetia WilliamsCredit: John Grossick

Super stayer

Charlie Deutsch followed up Saturday's big win on Victtorino when steering the Venetia Williams-trained Tanganyika to a second victory in the space of two weeks in the 3m½f handicap chase.

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