Camelot mare Prioritise landed a few bets when landing the first division of the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Rated 70 on the Flat, the winner was 25/1 this morning before being supported into 12/1at the off. She travelled powerfully throughout behind a strong pace and went on with Atlantic Warrior, who came from the rear to throw down his challenge, after the second-last.

In front at the final flight, the five-year-old kept on well under Ben Harvey to beat that rival by two and a half lengths with the pair well clear of the remainder.

"We've been kind of in and out form wise and hitting the crossbar a bit,” said John McConnell who trains the winner for the North East Syndicate.

“Not every horse is running the way I'd like them to so it's nice to get a winner.

“We put the tongue-tie back on her today and her jumping was much better than it had been.

“She's got the Flat speed and class that she's able to travel within herself.

“It's nice to get it for the lads as they've been very patient with her. I've been saying 'don't worry lads there is ability here' as on some of her runs it was hard to believe it.

“She's improving and she's getting more confidence in her jumping so hopefully she can win again.”

When asked if she could possibly go back on the Flat he added:- “She could, she's in great shape now so I can't see why not.

“I actually stuck her in at Hexham on Saturday, she might have put herself out of that race after winning today but we'll see.

“Today was just about getting the win and after this we'll make a plan.”

Quotes from Gary Carson