'It was awful impressive' - stunning Ahoy Senor demolishes Newbury rivals

Jockey Derek Fox admitted he was "stuck for words" to describe Ahoy Senor's demolition of his rivals by 31 lengths in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

A 66-1 winner of the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle last season, Ahoy Senor's start to his chasing career had not exactly gone to plan with him missing two intended races due to the ground before unseating his rider in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle last month.

The six-year-old was not flawless at Newbury, bunny hopping the water jump, for example, but when it all clicked he jumped supremely well and galloped relentlessly away from his rivals in the straight.

12.40 Newbury: full result, replay and analysis

Fox said: "The main thing for him today was to come here and to jump well after the slip up last time.

"I’m stuck for words as I turned around and had a look after the last at the big screen and I didn’t realise I was so far clear. It was awful impressive today and he’s done everything right. He’s very classy.

Ahoy Senor: cut to 6-1 for Cheltenham's Festival Novices' Chase after thrashing his Newbury rivalsCredit: Mark Cranham

"I always felt I wasn’t going that quick — that’s the impression he gives you — as he keeps on galloping at that one pace and goes. I’m just delighted and I can’t quite believe it."

He added: "He makes little mistakes here and there but it’s only his second start over fences so he’s still learning his trade, but when he’s good he’s very good."

Ahoy Senor was cut to 8-1 (from 16) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and to 6-1 (from 20) for the National Hunt Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival by Betfair following his impressive victory.

Read more:

3.00 Newbury: trainers and jockeys on their Ladbrokes Trophy contenders at Newbury

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