Chantry House Lives Up To Expectations Over Fences

Talented hurdler Chantry House (6g Yeats - The Last Bank, by Phardante) made an impressive start to his chasing career when running out an easy winner of Friday’s Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Last seen finishing third in the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Nicky Henderson’s charge stepped up to two miles and three furlongs on return and was sent off favourite under Nico de Boinville. Chasing the leader, he was travelling strongly at the second last, from which he led and went clear approaching the final fence. Never challenged, he extended his advantage to 26 lengths on the line.

The JP McManus-owned winner first advertised his talents between the flags and was bought by Michael Hyde for £295,000 after winning a four-year-old maiden for Cian Hughes. The son of Yeats was bred by Michael Conaghan and is one of three black-type horses out of The Last Bank.

At the same track the following day, newcomer Wonderwall (4g Yeats - Rock Me Gently, by Sulamani) justified strong market support to win the bumper under James Bowen.

Trained by Richard Spencer for Rebel Jumping, he was sent off joint-favourite and raced in midfield for much of the way, before making headway from over three furlongs out. Producing a strong challenge at the two furlong marker, he led approaching the final furlong and kept on strongly to score by half a length.

Bought as a three-year-old for €105,000, Wonderwall was bred by Barbara Kirby.