Zambella puts best foot forward to down Stormy Ireland to claim Listed prize

Zambella had struggled to find her feet since joining Nigel Twiston-Davies but put her best foot forward to lower the colours of Stormy Ireland on her chasing debut in the 2m1½f mares' novice chase.

The five-year-old was a dual winner in France and despite finishing a close fourth in the Kingwell Hurdle earlier this year, had been disappointing in Britain and was well-beaten over hurdles on her return at Market Rasen in September.

Her task was made harder by some hairy jumping, including a shuddering error at the last, but she stuck on gamely to deny the odds-on favourite and win by one and a quarter lengths under Daryl Jacob.