Grand Geste makes all in Tommy Whittle

Inexperience was no hindrance to Grand Geste as he eased to victory in the Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock on only his third start over fences.

The grey was the 15-8 favourite under Danny McMenamin for Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, who have been in fantastic form of late in staying handicap chases producing Konfusion to win the Rehearsal Chase and O’Connell to take the London National.

Grand Geste had been second in his two chase starts to date, but when stepping up in trip and racing prominently from the front, the six-year-old thrived with a superb round of jumping to prevail by six and a half lengths from My Silver Lining.

Parkinson told Racing TV: “He’s a lovely horse, we’ve thrown him in here half knowing what we’ve got with a little bit of quiet confidence.

“It’s only his third chase but he’s such a solid jumper so we thought we’d have a go.

“We’ve got the Peter Marsh (back at Haydock), we’ll see what the handicapper does next but it’s exciting, he’s a nice horse.”

McMenamin added: “He jumped like a buck everywhere, it was a good bit of placement from his trainers and it’s worked out well.

“He had no weight on his back (10st 2lb) so I thought I’d get a good start, ideally I didn’t want to make the running but he winged the first and I thought there was no point in taking him back.

“He’s a scopey horse, a good, big chaser and I’d say there’s plenty more improvement to come from him.”

Harry Derham’s Lario made a smart debut over fences when winning the Betfred “Bet Builder” “Chasing Excellence” Beginners’ Chase under Paul O’Brien.

The six-year-old made the frame several times over hurdles for the stable, and despite starting out on the level in Germany it was a switch to fences that helped him get his head in front as he prevailed by two lengths at 9-4 as Bill Joyce, the 5-6 favourite, was pulled up.

“He jumped beautifully today and got into a lovely rhythm,” Derham said.

“He’s been frustrating for me because I’ve always thought he was a really nice horse but I hadn’t won with him yet, but he kept bumping into good horses last year.

“I always thought he was faster than he is, but he’s actually just a real galloper.

“He’s not going to be a top, top horse, but I think we can make him into a really decent chaser.”

Sam England’s string are clearly in rude health as Haarar took the Betfred Nifty 50 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle under Tom Midgley at 7-1, after which Saligo Bay landed the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap Hurdle at 5-1 with Richie McLernon in the saddle.