Revitalised Slate House delivers 'special' first winner for Joe Tizzard

Monday: Kempton

Joe Tizzard did not have to wait long for his first win as a trainer after stable stalwart Slate House delivered a resounding victory in the feature handicap chase.

The win came only six days after Tizzard took over the licence from his father Colin and marked just the second runner in his name, with Slate House following up on success last month under Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

Paul Nicholls and Emma Lavelle, who trained placed-runners Diego Du Charmil and Light N Strike, were among the first to congratulate the winning trainer, who had initially bought Slate House for the yard.

"It's special," Tizzard said. "I'm not going to say I'm a rookie trainer because I'm taking over an established yard but it's the first one in my name and couldn't be any better.

"Something has just come right for Slate House. Clive Hamblin, who is the vet here today, was just brilliant with him 12 months ago when we thought we were going to be retiring him. Clive sorted his knees out and he's just enjoying himself again."

The ten-year-old has been a longstanding servant for the yard, winning at the track three times, including the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase in 2019.

“It’s just lovely as I put my neck on the line buying him several years ago,” Tizzard added.

“I came here with John Romans, who is a big supporter and mate of mine, and to train a winner for him and the other owners is great.”

'We're booking our tickets for the Cheltenham Festival'

John Chinn and Frank Green enthusiastically welcomed Neville's Cross into the winner's enclosure after the decision to step him up to 3m paid off.

The Tom Lacey-trained seven-year-old had finished second on his last two outings over shorter trips and was trying three miles or more for the first time in almost a year.

Neville’s Cross served it up to runner-up Danny Kirwan all the way, but a mistake two out made for a nervous viewing experience for the two owners.

“I used to ride in point-to-points and I think I prefer riding in them than watching!” Chinn said. “We’re thrilled he won, but you can’t do anything about a mistake.

“The handicapper had got a grip of our horse and we had to do something [stepping up in trip]. We had a feeling the runner-up might not stay if really challenged, so we said right from the start we’re going to take him on.

“We have three horses in training with Tom, so we’re booking our tickets for the Cheltenham Festival already!”

Persian potential

Paul Nicholls could attempt to land his ninth success in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle in October with Outlaw Peter, after he ran home a resounding 11-length winner of the maiden hurdle.

The trainer outlined the target for the six-year-old, who is partly owned by Dame Judi Dench, after he struck on his first start since wind surgery.

Results, replays and analysis

If you want more of Monday's reports:

Buckaroo gallops into the Irish Guineas picture with impressive Tetrarch success

'I had to keep him' - Tanmawwy delivers for new owner and in-form Charlie Hills

'That was better than Cachet, wasn't it?' - Ronnie continues Highclere heroics

Gordon Elliott on brink of new milestone after Gallyhill strikes on opening day

Icing on the cake for owner as Get It provides him with a birthday winner

Tom Clover eyes Super Sprint bid after debut success for Rogue Spirit

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