Micky Hammond feels there is 'more to come' with game winner Geryville

Tuesday: Newcastle

Middleham trainer Micky Hammond believes there is more to come from Geryville after the six-year-old got his nose in front to land the 2m7f handicap chase.

The Ferry Master looked certain to justify favouritism in the feature when leading by two lengths after the last, but Geryville found a different gear under Alain Cawley to score on the line by a neck.

"He saw the trip out well, he'll almost certainly stay further and he is just a likeable horse," the trainer said. "I think next season, he will be something like a long-distance staying chaser. I'd like to think that he is still progressive."

It was a first win for Geryville since making a winning British debut at 40-1 at Wetherby in October, with Hammond adding: "He only came over to us halfway through the summer and I do feel he is going to benefit from a proper summer holiday and then become an even better horse next season.

"We would like to think there is a lot more to come as well because he has adapted well to English racing."

Despite being narrowly denied, The Ferry Master's rider Ryan Mania still walked away with a winner on the day after taking the 2m4½f handicap hurdle aboard the Mike Smith-trained The Jad Factor.

Welcome win

West Yorkshire-based trainer Tjade Collier had not celebrated a winner over jumps since Ladronne struck at Wetherby under Sean Quinlan at the start of December.

The same pair were on hand to provide Collier with his first winner over obstacles in 2022, scoring by a length in the 2m7½f handicap chase.

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