Ben Jones performs superb recovery on leader after final-fence blunder but is denied victory in dramatic finish

Josh Moore is excited about a potential chasing campaign for Mark Of Gold after he made a winning start over fences in a dramatic running of the feature Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices' Chase.

A seven-time winner over hurdles and three-time scorer on the Flat, the seven-year-old took advantage of a shuddering error by Personal Ambition at the last fence to win by two and a quarter lengths.

The Ben Pauling-trained runner was in full command, but he crashed into the final fence and almost flung Ben Jones out of the saddle. The jockey somehow maintained the partnership despite losing all control of his reins, but the damage was done and Mark Of Gold came flying past on the run-in.

Although Mark Of Gold was the 11-2 outsider of the four-runner event, Moore was keen on his chances.

Mark Of Gold: hit the jackpot for Gary and Josh Moore at AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

He said: "He’s a good horse and we were quite confident coming here. It’s a big thing to do first time over fences as Ascot is a tricky track to jump round, but it was a small field and it was like running in a normal novice chase. You used to be able to get them, but you can’t get them anymore and you’d rather start him and give him a good experience. He’s done that and picked up a big prize.

"The aim was to go to Plumpton on January 5, but I’m not sure we’ll do that now. We could still do it, but we’ll have to seriously consider him over fences now as he took to them so well."

Bumper brilliance

The Listed bumper looked particularly strong on paper with nine last-time-out winners lining up, but Windbeneathmywings made them all look distinctly ordinary with a sensational performance which rocketed him to the head of the market for the Champion Bumper.

After initially being cut to 14-1 (from 50) by Paddy Power for the Cheltenham Festival race, the layers were forced into a quick rethink and he now tops the betting at 7-1 alongside the Gordon Elliott-trained Kalypso'chance.

Windbeneathmywings, making his debut for David Pipe, looked a smart prospect when winning two bumpers in Ireland and could not have made a more striking impression on his first start in Britain by thrashing the Dan Skelton-trained favourite Moneygarrow by 14 lengths.

Windbeneathmywings: runaway winner of the bumperCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Jack Tudor, who made all on the four-year-old and stretched effortlessly clear in the home straight, said: "His Irish form was good and he's clearly stepped forward a hell of a lot. He gives you a nice feeling at home, nothing flashy, but he's shown he's a fair horse there.

"I was able to get a few breathers in and rounding for home I knew he would keep galloping. He put the race to bed and saw it out well."

On the price cut, the winning trainer, son of 15-time champion jumps trainer Martin Pipe, said: "I think Dad's probably getting his money on!"

Future star

Paul Nicholls has high hopes for Belliano but is prepared to take his time with his five-year-old after victory in the 2m5½f maiden hurdle.

Owned by Bryan Drew and Partners, and Paul Vogt, Belliano went one better than finishing second to The New Lion on his debut at Chepstow in October.

Nicholls suggested a step up to Grade 2 company later in the season could be on the agenda, although he is in no rush with him.

"He’s quite a shelly, weak horse, but he’ll be better next year," said Nicholls. "We won’t aim too high, but the Grade 2 staying novice hurdle at Haydock in the spring might suit him.

Paul Nicholls deep in conversation at Ascot on FridayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"He’s a nice horse but one very much for the future. He’s not one who shows a lot at home, but he ran well at Chepstow and he’s improved a lot since then.

"He fell apart after the race and we’ve had to be patient. He needs to learn and we’re going to give him time. We changed his diet and it’s turned him inside out. Today is the best he’s looked since we had him. Hopefully, he’ll just go forward."

Nicholls added: "Paul is involved and he’s thrilled. He’s had a bit of a lean time since Frodon retired, so it’s good he’s got a nice staying chaser."

Georgie best

Patrick Neville’s purple patch continued when 10-1 shot Here Comes Georgie landed the 2m1f novice handicap chase.

The six-year-old was the outsider of the four-runner contest that included Iberico Lord, who fell at the second-last, but he stuck on well under Lee Edwards to finish half a length clear of Ryan's Rocket.

It was a third winner of the week for Neville, who saddled a double at Catterick on Tuesday, and he said: "We have a small bunch of horses and they’re running well. We have a small bunch of owners and they’re all great and getting rewarded.

"In a good race like that they were going too quick. In fairness to Lee, he took his time and got him into it lovely. He did it well."

Gordon brace

Freddie Gordon initiated a 63-1 double when partnering the Nicky Henderson-trained East India Express in the opening 2m5½f handicap hurdle.

It was a third win in six starts for the five-year-old, who could make a quick return to action in a 2m5f handicap hurdle on Boxing Day.

Henderson said: "He’s in at Kempton without a penalty. I’ve got nine in the race at the minute and every single one of them will want to run."

Gordon completed his double on 7-1 shot King William Rufus in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle for his father, Chris Gordon.

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