Henry's Joy finally got his head in front in the Betway Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) at Musselburgh this afternoon.
Only a length second over this course and distance, he proved he had the potential to do better, and scored for Donald McCain and Brian Hughes - who reached 1,000 winners at Wetherby on Friday.
Always prominent, the 6yo was ridden to lead narrowly at the last, was ridden out, and just held on from the late thrust from Benny's Secret.
Dashel Drasher confirmed and thus boosted the form with both Rathhill and Bright Forecast from his two most recent starts, when landing the interbet.com Happy New Year Novices' Hurdle.
He was always staying on when finishing fourth at Newbury latest, and has proved effective over this course and distance in the past.
Despite hitting the 1st, the 6yo virtually made all. He was clear before 3 out, again hit 3 out before diving at next, but kept on strongly and was unchallenged up the run-in.
Hughes bagged a double in the finale at Musselburgh in the Betway Casino Standard Open NH Flat Race, aboard the 4yo Alright Sunshine.
He was a five-length winner at Carlisle on debut, before a good second under 7lb debut at Newcastle. Today he scooted clear to win by nine lengths for Keith Dalgleish, who needed a boost after a poor start to 2019.
Keen early on, Alright Sunshine tracked the leaders until 6f out, before beginning to make headway over 2f out. He led 220 yards from the finish and was soon clear, but despite running green in the final furlong, it was a comfortable success.
