Heathfield another for McManus

Heathfield justified 4/1 favouritism in the three mile six furlong handicap chase for Tony Martin and Paul Townend in the JP McManus colours.

The eight-year-old gelding tanked into contention in second after jumping three out. He took a narrow lead from English-raider Audacious Plan at the final fence and kept on strongly to win by four and a quarter lengths.

Audacious Plan (18/1) stayed on to keep second. He was eight lengths ahead of five-timer-seeking Embracing Change (12/1) who was prominent throughout. A neck away in fourth came Urano at 11/1.

Handler Tony Martin said: "He'd a little mishap and had some time off but maybe it was a blessing in disguise as he's a smashing old-fashioned horse. He gave an exhibition there today and Paul is riding with great confidence.

"The further they go the better he goes. He jumps well and galloped away. Hopefully it is onwards and upwards from here. It was a lovely performance and I'm very happy.

"The man that had him was a pal of JPs, Joe McGee, a lovely man. He told Mr McManus he would win."

Paul Townend added: "He's a proper horse. He jumps very well and handled the ground today. He has the right attitude. You can put him wherever in a race and he'll switch off. When you do ask him there's a little bit there.

"He gave me a great spin and is a pleasure to ride. It is loose ground, there's no real depth to it."

This was a quick-fire double on the day for owner JP McManus and an eighth on the week.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee