“The race was run slowly and it was a bit of a dawdle, but he was very quick over the last two”

Nigel Twiston-Davies

“The race was run slowly and it was a bit of a dawdle, but he was very quick over the last two, which was lovely to see and I’m chuffed to bits.

“He’ll go to Haydock next for the Betfair meeting and then on to the International at Cheltenham – basically he’ll have the same sort of programme as last season.”

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said: “He was not flashy or impressive, but he never is and it is great to get him back out.

“He hadn’t run since Cheltenham and there are lots of reasons to be positive, as he has only schooled twice since Cheltenham and it’s just cemented in my mind that he has got over the problem from last year (kissing spine).”