Totepool Towton Novices’ Chase
Grade 2 Handicap, Wetherby £30,500 added, 5yo plus, 3m 1f, Class 1
Saturday 1st February 2014

1 Ely Brown 2/1
2 Milborough 11/1
3 Strike Fast 40/1
NR: Shutthefrontdoor (IRE)
5 ran Distances: 9l, 98l
TIME 7m 17.60s (slow by 86.60s)

Ely Brown
© Racehorse Photos

Ely Brown (trained by Charlie Longsdon and partnered by Noel Fehily) was an easy 9-length winner in an eventful Towton Novices' Chase, getting the better of Milborough in the final stages.

Strike Fast (trained by William Kinsey and partnered by Harry Challoner), finished another 98 lengths behind in third (and last).

Previously, J P McManus' Shutthefrontdoor (trained by Jonjo O'Neill) was withdrawn, presumably because of the ground. Five faced the starter, but Sue Smith's Coverholder (ridden by Jonathan England) suffered a fatal injury on the flat, causing Green Flag (trained by Lucinda Russell) to dislodge Peter Buchanan, leaving only three to continue.

Winning trainer Charlie Longsdon said on charlielongsdonracing.com: "Good old Ely Brown provided us with our second Grade 2 winner of the season. He has been a star for us ever since he arrived in the yard 18 months ago, winning five of his nine races for us. As ever Noel gave him a perfect ride and said afterwards that he could be a Scottish National sort....... We will have to see where we go next. He might well aim for the 4 miler at Cheltenham followed by heading up to Scotland for their National. But let's enjoy the success first and we can work out our plans later in the week!!"

Paddy Power reacted to the win by cutting Ely Brown to 14-1 (from 20) for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

Totepool Towton Novices' Chase
£30,500 added, 5yo plus, 3m 1f, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Heavy