CHAMPION COURT staked an early claim for staying novice chase honours with a promising first win over fences at Aintree.
The six-year-old, fourth in the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, is in line to return to Prestbury Park next month when he could be stepped up to three miles.
His victory in the Matalan Novices’ Chase over two-and-a-half miles saw his odds cut to 20-1 from 33-1 with William Hill for the RSA Chase in March.
Trainer Martin Keighley wrote off the six-year-old’s debut over the bigger obstacles at Perth, where he unseated his rider, and his faith in Champion Court’s fencing ability was duly restored.
The 2-1 favourite closely tracked early leader Saint Are before taking it up jumping the sixth-last.
His jumping was mainly sound here under Paddy Brennan, although not totally smooth at the last two.
Running on strongly, Keighley’s charge had four-and-a-half lengths in hand of Tim Vaughan’s Saint Are, who stuck to his guns well and is another who looks sure to be suited by a step up in trip.
