'We're really happy with him' - Graded company next for Ballygrifincottage

Wednesday: Haydock

Dan Skelton has high hopes for Ballygrifincottage after he landed the three-runner 2m5½f novice chase by 11 lengths on his chase debut.

The seven-year-old, who finished fourth in the Albert Bartlett at the festival, beat 4-5 favourite Beauport with Quel Destin a further 25 lengths back in third on his first start since 2021.

Ballygrifincottage was cut to 12-1 (from 33) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and 10-1 (from 25) for the National Hunt Chase by Paddy Power and could make his next start at Warwick in January.

"We're really happy with him," said Skelton. "He jumped well and loves slow ground. He'll go for the Hampton Court Novices' Chase next but will be entered in the Kauto Star, just in case it's really soft.

"If it came up really soft at Cheltenham in March, he could have a go at the Brown Advisory. I see him stepping up in trip down the line."

Hullnback also received an ante-post quote for the festival after winning the 1m7½f introductory hurdle for trainer Fergal O'Brien.

The five-year-old was cut to 25-1 (from 40) by Paddy Power for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle after powering three and three-quarter lengths clear of the Namean Lion under a Paddy Brennan drive.

Rolling back the years

Saint Xavier justified 3-1 favouritism in the veterans' handicap chase under Lilly Pinchin, his first success since scoring at Auteuil last year.

The ten-year-old, who finished fourth on his seasonal reappearance for Richard Hobson, won by four lengths from Up Helly Aa King.

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