Regal Exit put himself back on track for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle with a comfortable victory at Newbury this afternoon.
Nicky Henderson's gelding had disappointed when only third on his previous start but made no mistake on this occasion when taking the Furlong Club Juvenile Novices' Hurdle under Mick Fitzgerald.
"He's done that well today but in fairness they weren't a great bunch however he's won," stated Henderson.
"He goes to Cheltenham now along with Mister Banjo but my other entry in the Triumph Hurdle, Architect, may now go to Aintree rather than the Festival."
Regal Exit was always handily placed and travelling well for Fitzgerald before jumping to the front at the third last and stretching six lengths clear of Ibis Rochelais.
Barry Fenton earned high praise from trainer David Gandolfo after bringing Gunnerblong with a well-timed run to lift the SBJ 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.
"He's got to be ridden like that and Barry's given him a great ride," beamed a jubilant Gandolfo, who was welcoming back his 10th success of the season.
"He ran a bit too free when beaten at Haydock last time in a small field and they didn't go very fast today but Barry was able to switch him off."
Gunnerblong was always moving nicely up the home straight before easing to the front two out and staying on well to defeat Haut Cercy by two and a half lengths.
Jungli regained the winning thread when ploughing through the mud in the Geoffrey Gilbey Handicap Chase under Jimmy McCarthy.
The gelding, making a quick reappearance after being beaten at Kempton last Saturday, took a definite advantage approaching four out and held off Kings Cherry by six lengths.
Winning trainer Paul Webber said: "There's always a risk running him quickly after he didn't win last weekend but we were really tempted by this race. He's a brave little soul as he doesn't like the ground as soft as that."
