Chase Double For Returning Sons Of Milan

The Lucinda Russell-trained Buddha Scheme (5g Milan - Benefit Scheme, by Beneficial) found his calling over fences when making a successful season return in Friday’s Novice Chase at Hexham.

Returning to the three mile trip over which he finished third on his sole point-to-point start, the bay was ridden prominently by Derek Fox. Producing a challenge three out, he was driven from the second last and led from the final fence, staying on strongly to win by two lengths and a quarter.

Owned by Gerry McGladery and bred by P Murphy, the €40,000 store buy comes from the family of Cheltenham Festival bumper winner Wither Or Witch and the top-class Alexander Banquet.

Ten minutes later at Fontwell, Tommy Rapper (8g Milan - Supreme Evening, by Supreme Leader) pounced late to land the Beginners’ Chase over two miles and five and a half furlongs.

Last seen finishing second at Grade 3 level over hurdles in April, the Dan Skelton-owned bay was sent off favourite under Harry Skelton. Racing in second, he switched right to challenge two out and led at the last, pushed out slightly to secure success by a neck, as the leading pair finished well-clear of the third horse.

Owned by Judy Craymer with Nick Skelton, Tommy Rapper adds to a hat-trick of hurdle wins and two seconds in both his bumpers. He was bred by J Asple and is closely related to useful chasers Operation Houdini and Aerlite Supreme.