Top Notch adds to his fan club with a thrilling display under De Boinville

Yes sir: Johnny Burke goes long at the last on Sir Valentino to win the Shawbrook Handicap Chase at Ascot on Saturday

Yes sir: Johnny Burke goes long at the last on Sir Valentino to win the Shawbrook Handicap ChaseCredit: Mark Cranham

Top Notch prompted an outpouring of affection after returning to his brilliant best in the Christy 1965 Chase under supersub Nico de Boinville.

With owner Simon Munir and Isaac Souede's retained rider Daryl Jacob preparing to wing round Haydock on Bristol De Mai, the six-year old Top Notch added another fan to his large collection in De Boinville.

First it was trainer Nicky Henderson who led the eulogy for his "superstar" after he had skimmed round Ascot's tough fences and turned the Grade 2 feature into a procession in the home straight.

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Bruce JacksonReporter

Published on 25 November 2017inReports

Last updated 19:32, 25 November 2017

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