Testify provides evidence to McCain's call to action

Donald McCain last month sent out a rallying cry to his fellow northern trainers to make life harder for their southern counterparts and he put his words into action as Testify made an impressive start over fences.

Second choice in the market behind the uneasy Paul Nicholls-trained favourite Tommy Silver, Testify jumped with aplomb in the familiar colours of Trevor Hemmings to turn over the 4-5 shot in the 2m1½f novice chase.

"He jumped like a buck and always has done," said McCain. "We thought the trip was a little on the sharp side but we wanted to kick on and get him started."