'We laid him out for this' - Your Darling comes good when it matters for Pauling

Friday: Ascot

The racecard suggested Your Darling had an in-and-out profile and it soon became clear he was on a going day when he began to stretch clear in the 2m5f handicap chase for in-form trainer Ben Pauling.

It has not been plain sailing for the seven-year-old, who showed promise during his novice campaign but was winless in four starts after scoring on his chase debut at Huntingdon in October last year.

Your Darling, who runs in the colours of the late Lord Vestey, went well clear after the third-last under Kielan Woods and beat Revels Hill by three and three-quarter lengths, with Flegmatik narrowly denied in third.

"It's so frustrating," said Pauling. "If only that horse turned up every time. He's very good and we specifically laid him out for this race as we know he goes well fresh. We've got to pick our targets because if we can keep him in that sort of form, we're going to have lots of fun.

"He went off the boil a bit last season but so had a few of the other horses. The main feature of our new yard is they seem to hold their form and hopefully he can too. It's special to win with these colours."

Pauling, who moved to his new stables in April, has sent out 40 winners already this season, just four fewer than he achieved last campaign.

Double for McNeill and Heskin

It was a day to remember for owner Max McNeill and jockey Adrian Heskin, who recorded a double courtesy of Thunder Rock and Persian Time.

Thunder Rock, who is owned by the McNeill Family and Ian Dale, scored for the second time over fences when beating Solo in the 2m3f novice handicap chase and could step up to Graded company.

"He was very good at Uttoxeter on his first start," said trainer Olly Murphy. "I thought the step up in trip would suit and it wasn't a surprise to see him win like that. He's going to go up in the weights and we're not far off Graded races. We always felt he could be good."

Persian Time (right) secures a double for Adrian Heskin and Max McNeillCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Heskin secured the double when Persian Time, McNeill's first runner with Nicky Henderson, landed the 1m7½f introductory hurdle in which Master Chewy fell at the last shortly after taking the lead.

"It's the first horse I've had for Max and the team and it's nice to have those colours at Seven Barrows," said Henderson.

"It was an ideal race for him to start in. He's a big strong horse who hopefully has a big future, but we'll just tread quietly with him for the time being."

Crambo wins eventful race

Crambo was introduced at 33-1 by Betfair for the Ballymore at the festival following an eventful running of the 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

The five-year-old, who won his two bumpers, justified favouritism when stretching three and three-quarter lengths clear of Hands Off.

Two of his rivals, Forest Jump and Kylenoe Dancer, unseated their riders, while Broughshane ran out following the second hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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