'The nature of the game' - dramatic late fall gifts victory to Philip Hobbs

Thursday: Taunton

Midnight Midge was gifted a first victory in just under three years following a dramatic slip from leader Ile De Jersey at the final fence.

The Nicky Henderson-trained filly came down on landing after the last of the 14 obstacles in the 2m2f novice handicap chase allowing Ben Jones’ mount to capitalise. James Bowen and Ile De Jersey, who was set to make a winning chasing debut, were reported fine following the incident.

“It’s the nature of the game, the obstacles are there for a reason,” Jones told Racing TV.

“He travelled great and jumped well. I know we would’ve probably been beaten if the Henderson horse had stayed on his feet, but you’ve got to jump them and luckily we did.”

Midnight Midge was making a winning stable debut for Philip Hobbs, but was in pre-training with Jones and wife Laura.

“I better give a shout out to my missus,” Jones added. “He was in pre-training with us for six or seven weeks and it’s nice to put the work in and then get to ride him in the race as well.”

Rubaud rules

Rubaud maintained the excellent form of the Paul Nicholls stable with a convincing victory in the 2m½f maiden hurdle.

He was pitched into the Grade 2 Adonis on his first start for Nicholls last season and finished eighth, but cantered home to oblige at odds of 1-2.

Nicholls suggested the 2m novice hurdle on Kempton's Boxing Day card could be a future target.

Results, replays and analysis

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