'He's been great fun' - Bavington Bob brings up remarkable four-timer

Monday: Kelso

Bavington Bob continued his feel-good winning sequence by completing a four-timer in the feature 2m7½f handicap chase under Brian Hughes.

The Ann Hamilton-trained seven-year-old was outpaced from an early stage but his class came to the fore approaching the last, where he took over from Crixus's Escape and eventually scored by nine lengths.

It completed a double on the day for Hughes, who survived a scare in the opening 2m2f novice hurdle, clinging on to win by a neck aboard the 1-14 favourite Masked Crusader from the fast-finishing Jet Legs. The narrow success was also a landmark 100th winner Hughes has ridden for Donald McCain this season as the pair maintain their relentless strike-rate.

Hamilton's husband Ian, who owns Bavington Bob, told Racing TV: "He's been great fun, he just keeps staying, he stays and stays. We were a bit worried about this easier track today, but he was certainly quick enough.

"He's gone up quite a few [pounds] since his last race and they'll be doing it again won't they! He could run again this season if there was a bit of soft ground somewhere. The Eider would maybe do it next season, he likes Newcastle as it's a stiff track."

Commanding performance

Stuart Coltherd's career-best season continued as Hidden Commander made a mockery of his rivals in the 2m5½f handicap chase.

Roaring Bull's half-brother cruised clear by 20 lengths on his chasing debut under Sean Quinlan and could be back out under a penalty later on this week.

Coltherd said: "His jumping was pretty electric, the fences have made all the difference. Fingers crossed he'll keep improving."

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