Flash Harrys strike again as Bigmartre produces 'awesome' round to win

The winner Bigmartre (Harry Bannister)runs on from the last fence in the 2m novice handicap chaseNewbury 1.12.17 Pic: Edward Whitaker

Bigmartre and Harry Bannister keep on strongly to win the novice handicap chaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Harry Whittington's resurgent season and Harry Bannister's red-hot run of form continued when Bigmartre followed in the footsteps of the yard's ill-fated Arzal by winning the novice handicap chase for the Fulke Walwyn Trophy.

Arzal's victory in the race two years was a breakthrough moment for Whittington, whose then stable star went on to land the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree only to die soon afterwards.

That race could also be a target for the Phil Dixon-owned Bigmartre, giving Bannister his eighth win from his last 17 rides.

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James BurnLambourn correspondent

Graham DenchReporter

Published on 1 December 2017inReports

Last updated 12:56, 3 December 2017

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