'It was his last chance today' - Mr Katanga finally repays faith of Curtis

Saturday: Chepstow

Mr Katanga finally repaid the faith that trainer Rebecca Curtis had in him by cruising to victory in division one of the 3m2f handicap chase, in what was coined his "last chance".

Under assured handling by Ben Jones, the eight-year-old left his rivals toiling and was eased down to win by 47 lengths from the Gary Hanmer-trained Loch Garman Aris.

Curtis, also the owner, said: "The cheekpieces [first time] have obviously helped today, but it was the first time he had experienced this sort of going on a big galloping track, which were also factors."

Ballyandy: won in style by six lengthsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

After five runs in which the maiden hadn't been closer than a 19-and-a-half-length fifth, the Pembrokshire trainer was losing patience.

"It was actually his last chance today," Curtis said. "He hadn't done anything for me off low marks, so I was going to move him on as a point-to-pointer and sell him if he didn't do anything today."

Curtis might reconsider after what she saw but is not looking forward to the official reassessment. "The handicapper will probably crucify him now, " she said. "He might not win another one now but he's done his job."

Cheltenham contender

Ballyandy, already a grand servant to trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, showed that at the age of 11 he's not done yet as he landed successive wins over 2m7½f.

The Cheltenham Festival winner, who has entries in the Coral Cup and Pertemps final, won in smooth style by six lengths under 10lb claimer Finn Lambert.

Results, replays and analysis

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