'He's as tough as old boots' - Hamiltons eyeing Eider Chase with Bavington Bob

Monday: Carlisle

Ian Hamilton has earmarked a possible tilt at next season’s Eider Chase for Bavington Bob after the owner's improving seven-year-old completed a hat-trick in the feature 3m½f handicap chase under Brian Hughes.

Attempting his furthest trip to date, the 6-4 favourite stayed on stoutly in the testing conditions, suggesting Newcastle’s marathon 4m1½f contest could suit in time.

Hamilton, whose trainer wife Ann needs just one more winner to match last season’s record total of 12, said: "It was hard work for him, it’s really heavy ground, but he did it. He’s an Eider horse for next year. He’s as tough as old boots and stays forever."

Bavington Bob's victory completed a double on the day for Hughes, who had earlier guided Gold Emery to a winning rules debut for Donald McCain in the opening maiden hurdle.

Of the champion jockey elect, Hamilton added: "Thanks to Brian mainly, it’s the first time I’ve seen him with a sweat on!"

Blistering Brogan

As Hughes’s title procession continued, Kevin Brogan strengthened his own bid to be champion conditional with a 64-1 double, taking him to 40 winners for the season, ten clear of nearest rival Liam Harrison.

Brogan struck on the Gary Hanmer-trained 9-1 shot Dawn Raider and Daragh Bourke’s 11-2 chance Old Jewry, both of whom were well backed.

Kevin Brogan brings up a double on Old JewryCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Landmark win

Harriet Graham and Gary Rutherford’s first winner as joint-licence holders was sealed in style when Don Brocco ran out a shock 66-1 winner of the closing 3m1f handicap hurdle under Ryan Mania, getting the duo off the mark with just their seventh runner.

Results, replays and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday