Referendum result comprehensive as Bellamy predicts bright future over fences

Tom Bellamy believes Midnightreferendum, second in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, could go on to even better things over fences following an impressive 18-length win on her chase debut.

Bellamy, partnering Midnightreferendum for the first time, was delighted with the seven-year-old's opening attempt over fences in the 2m3½f mares' beginners chase, when she coasted clear of the 132-rated Deja Vue in the closing stages.

Classy in bumpers, the Alan King-trained seven-year-old had been a regular in big-field handicaps over hurdles, including when third at Cheltenham in December behind subsequent festival winners Dame De Compagnie and Indefatigable, but Bellamy predicts she will be rated higher than her hurdles mark of 122 over fences.