'He's up there watching with a smile' - emotional wins in Andy Stewart's colours

Paul Nicholls and the Stewart family celebrated poignant victories in both divisions of the 2m bumper in the famous red, white and black silks of the late Andy Stewart, which were the first winners in the colours of the legendary owner since his death.

The silks, which were carried to big-race successes by a host of stars including four-time Stayers' Hurdle hero Big Buck's, Celestial Halo and Cenkos, were back in the winner's enclosure when Onethreefivenotout won the first division.

Then 35 minutes later Hugos New Horse took the second division with a half-length success to complete the emotional double, and the 12-time champion trainer paid tribute to his friend in the week of his 30th anniversary since his move to Ditcheat.

Nicholls said: "I know he's up there watching with a smile on his face. I'd be expecting a text by now saying that will win a Champion Bumper or that will win a Gold Cup – you know what he was like.

"Andy's left a legacy and got some lovely young horses that will run in his family's name."

Andy Stewart (left) and Paul Nicholls (right) on one of their greatest days together, when Big Buck's won his fourth Stayers' HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer has high hopes that the well-named Onethreefivenotout can carry the legacy of Stewart, who died last month due to complications following a fall at his Barbados holiday home this year.

He added: "It's a funny story. He was named after Ben Stokes's innings in that Test at Headingley [Stokes's astonishing 135 not out in the 2019 Ashes series].

"I pressed the button and reserved the name. Andy said 'I want that name' and I told him he could have the name but he'd have to buy the horse to match it."

Nicholls' stable jockey Harry Cobden was on board for the victories and is also confident both horses can live up to their billing for the Stewart family.

'He was a true character' – top jump jockeys remember owner Andy Stewart

"Mr Stewart was very supportive to the yard, even before I was there. It's great that he's still got some lovely horses running in the family colours," he said. "The whole family have been so supportive over the years. One of his sons, Paul, has a huge interest in racing and it's great that they're carrying it on.

"Onethreefivenotout is a cracking individual. He's got size, he's got scope and, fingers crossed, he'll turn into a smart hurdler and chaser in years to come."

Cobden added of Hugos New Horse, who is named after Stewart's grandson: "He's a different type to the other one, but I love the way he battled up the run-in and really stuck his neck out.

"It's nice that they've got two young, exciting horses to come through – hopefully they're going to win us lots of races."

Gamble landed

The sustained market support behind The Toojumpa proved fruitful as she got off the mark at the 14th attempt over fences in the 2m7f mares' handicap chase.

The eight-year-old was sent off the 5-6 favourite, having been as big as 11-2 the previous morning, and made a winning debut for the Fergal O'Brien yard with a one and three quarter-length success.

On a roll

Kerry Lee's unbeaten spell since August continued in fine fashion when Magic Dancer eased to victory in the 2m½f handicap chase.

The nine-year-old ended a near three-year drought without success with a ten-length win, taking the trainer's record to four winners from as many runners in that period.

Results, replays and analysis

The jumps season is here! Grab your copy of The Big Jump Off, our 72-page guide to the 2021-22 National Hunt season, from the Racing Post shop or from independent newsagents and many Co-Ops from Wednesday, October 20. It contains a wealth of unbeatable content including ante-post tips, guest columnists, divisional analysis and much more. Don't miss out.