Newland full of praise as Luke Scott proves just the ticket on Shetland Bus

Friday: Fakenham

Richard Newland paid credit to his new conditional jockey Luke Scott after Shetland Bus gave the trainer his second consecutive victory in the feature chase.

The nine-year-old prevailed in a thrilling three-way duel to the line against Spiritofthegames and Topofthecotswolds to claim his second win in nine days after scoring at Stratford last week.

The gelding was partnered on both occasions by 20-year-old Scott, who has made a flying start since joining Newland's team six weeks ago.

"We're really thrilled and I thought Luke Scott did exceptionally well," said Newland. "He's a new conditional rider who has only just joined us and gave him a lovely ride, so it was a nice pot to win.

"It's great to win the race for a second year in a row. Today was the plan for Shetland Bus and I don't really know where we'll go next, but I'm sure we'll have another go at another good handicap chase soon."

Super Sophosc

Sophosc extended his unbeaten run over hurdles in emphatic style after cruising to an 11-length victory in the opening handicap hurdle.

The Ian Williams-trained runner scored three times on the Flat but has relished the switch in disciplines and scored comfortably under Charlie Todd.

Todd was denied a double with his only other ride of the day when Allo Allo and Cieran Gethings denied evens-favourite Haliphon in the maiden hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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