It was an evening of mixed fortunes for Paul Nicholls, as the Ditcheat trainer departed Surrey with a quickfire double on the Kempton card.
Adrien Du Pont landed the first leg when comfortably securing victory in the Open Hunters’ Chase at the short price of 2/5, finishing 17 lengths ahead of Christopher Barber’s Enyove Special.
Samarrive completed the double less than half an hour later, with the exciting prospect overcoming a penalty to run out an easy winner in the Vbet Supports British Racing Novices’ Hurdle.
Ian Williams also recorded two winners on the Kempton card, landing success in the opening contest with Hydroplane.
The five-year-old was arguably given an easier task when Chez Hans unseated Angus Cheleda at the first hurdle but the gelding quickened up in the closing stages to win comfortably by seven lengths.
The Alvechurch-based trainer followed that up with victory in the Join Vbet Handicap Chase a few hours later with Psychedelic Rock, who managed to get the better of market favourite Templemark in the home straight.
Fergal O’Brien chalked up a maiden century of winners for the season in the closing contest, when 9/1 outsider Oscar Rose pushed away from the challenging Sir Valentine to land the 2m5f Handicap Hurdle.
Mackenburg cruised to victory in the 2m5f Novices’ Hurdle for Donald McCain, while Michael Hawker’s Mortens Leam bounced back to form to win the Get Great Odds At Vbet Handicap Chase.
