Where did they go? Favourite wins as two rivals disappear at the last

Friday: Hexham

Confusion reigned in the 1m7½f novice chase (2.10) as Crack Du Ninian was left in front to run out an easy 12-length winner after close challengers Fete Champetre and Hasankey mysteriously disappeared from view at the final fence.

Crack Du Ninian, who was sent off 3-1 joint-favourite, emerged on his own after the last, with no sign of his two rivals, whose fate was obscured from view by the hedge which is situated next to the final fence.

Members can watch the freak incident here

Alan O'Keeffe, assistant trainer and partner of winning trainer Jennie Candlish, said: "I was confused because it looked like it was going to be a good race and suddenly we seemed to be a long way clear.

"My initial reaction was concern because I saw the screens go up but thankfully both horses are okay. It looks like one ran out and carried the other horse."

How the mystery unfolded . . .

Hasankey (left), Fete Champetre (centre) and Crack Du Ninian (right) are battling away as they head to the final fence

Suddenly, Crack Du Ninian is the only one of the trio to jump the fence

Crack Du Ninian canters on to an easy victory with Fete Champetre and Hasanakey nowhere to be seen

It later emerged that Fete Champetre ran out and carried Hasankey with him, with both horses getting tangled in the beech hedge wing.

On the winner, O'Keeffe added: "He won a point-to-point in Ireland and was bought as a chaser and he's turning into a smart one. You can't be anymore impressed with his first two chase starts.

"It's hard to tell what would have happened if the two horses behind him had stood up."

Both Fete Champetre and Hasankey, along with riders Craig Nichol and Lewis Dobb, were fine afterwards.

Heart hurts bookies

Trainer Nigel Hawke made the 368-mile journey from his Devon base worthwhile when Heart Of Kernow landed a gamble in the second division of the 2m handicap hurdle.

The 9-1 shot had been as big as 40-1 earlier in the day and he obliged under conditional jockey Kieren Buckley by two and a quarter lengths.

Results, replays and analysis

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