'She surprised us all' - Kirby delighted as Another Theatre causes big shock

The recent feel-good factor in Phil Kirby's yard was given yet more impetus after Another Theatre caused a 28-1 shock in the 2m mares' handicap hurdle.

The seven-year-old lost her way and failed to figure in her first two starts over fences for Kirby but a return to hurdles saw her bounce back to her best for an 18-length victory under Tommy Dowson.

"She surprised us all," the winning trainer said. "I thought she ran really well. We were unable to get a tune out of her over fences and she lost her confidence completely.

"She used to be a nice horse before we got her and her form was rock solid. We went back to basics and I'm really happy that she's won in that style."

Seven of the trainer's 11 winners so far this season have come in the last two weeks, and he added: "We've got to keep the ball rolling this season.

"We have lots of nice young horses but with Lady Buttons retiring and Top Ville Ben getting injured at the start of the season we are short of a real flagbearer. It's great to be getting victories on the board."

Ecossais scores again

Ecossais registered his first British success at this course last time and backed up that performance with a gritty victory in the 3m2f handicap chase.

Ecossais and Ross Turner teamed up for a second victory in a row at the trackCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

The six-year-old, who was a dual winner in France, struggled to find his feet for trainer Oliver Greenall but has made up for lost time and defied an 8lb rise in the weights to score by two and three-quarter lengths.

The was the first leg of an across-the-card double for Greenall following Dragonfruit's victory at Carlisle.

Welcome winner

Ocean Dreamer gave Brendan Powell a welcome first winner since the dramatic disqualification saga at Doncaster on Friday.

Results, replays and analysis

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