Voix Du Reve back in winner's enclosure after ending 1,063-day drought

Saturday: Newcastle

Grade 1 winner Voix Du Reve rolled back the years to cruise to a dominant success in the 2m handicap hurdle.

Making his 14th start since joining the yard of Iain Jardine, the ten-year-old topweight stalked the leaders and loomed into contention from a long way out under Tom Midgley.

Previously trained by Willie Mullins, Voix Du Reve won the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April 2019 and recorded his first win since that top-level success three years ago.

Jardine said: "He's done it in great style, the handicapper has given him a chance and that'll have done his confidence the power of good.

"He's a pleasure to train, he enjoys his work and is very enthusiastic."

Voix Du Reve will now be pointed towards Ayr's Scottish Grand National meeting, with several options over fences being discussed with his owners.

"Hopefully he'll be going to Ayr fresh and in good nick – if the ground is on the good side then there's no reason why he shouldn't run a big race."

Surprise feature

Outsider Steinkraus caused a surprise in the 2m6f novices' handicap hurdle to land the feature under under Brian Hughes.

Despite being nudged along a fair way from home, the Donald McCain-trained seven-year-old won convincingly, powering clear by seven and a half lengths from Tolworth runner-up Jetoile for trainer Ryan Potter.

Bumper battle

The best finish of the day was saved for last after the Dianne Sayer-trained Bertie's Ballet landed the bumper by bravely fending off Knockanore, who was another second on a frustrating day for Potter.

Results, replays and analysis

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