It's a team effort as Ecume Atlantique gets off mark for Bandey and Bannister

Tuesday: Wetherby

Trainer Richard Bandey was full of admiration for his whole team as Ecume Atlantique won on his stable debut in the 2m3½f handicap chase.

The eight-year-old, who joined the Wolverton yard earlier this month from Emmanuel Clayeux in France, was making his first appearance following a 464-day layoff.

Ecume Atlantique hit the front two out and held off Frimeur De Lancray by a nose under Harry Bannister.

"His form obviously tailed off in France but Harrison Beswick, who had ridden him a few years ago, said he would be a good horse to have," said Bandey.

"He said that a change of scenery and an English fence would suit the horse very well because he is a great jumper and a big galloping track is his forte.

"My head girl Sam [Burgess] rides him everyday and she has got a great rapport with him, and she's done a fantastic job getting him ready."

The trainer added: "Harry is riding exceptionally well and he is a huge part of the team. When you have him sitting in on planning meetings about where we are going over the next three or four months, it helps and the results are proving themselves."

Hammond continues fine run

Jockey Charlie Hammond scored a fourth victory in four days when steering the Nick Kent-trained Sayar to victory in the 2m handicap hurdle.

It continues to be a record-extending campaign for Hammond as he recorded a personal-best 35th winner aboard the nine-year-old, who secured a first success since joining the Kent yard from Willie Mullins in October 2020.

Results, replays and analysis

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