'He had an almighty headache' - clear sinuses help Juge Et Parti to victory

A fractured tooth had led to some unpleasant issues for Juge Et Parti, but the seven-year-old is now fully recovered and displayed his well-being with victory in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.

Ridden by Brodie Hampson, Juge Et Parti was winning for the first time in just over a year when coming clear by five lengths, and trainer Archie Watson said: "He's been through a lot. He had a fractured tooth which then caused him to have a sinus infection, so he's been in and out of Newmarket having surgery.

"He's come out of it well and this is his first run since. He had an almighty headache, which we've relieved, and he's won it well."

Watson is more readily associated with the Flat and was hoping stable jockey Hollie Doyle would be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday evening.

Watson said: "Nobody's more deserving than Hollie. She's advanced the cause of female jockeys massively. She came to us a couple of years back and wasn't getting very many rides at the time and we've grown and built it up together. She's a massive part of the team. We couldn't do what we do without her.

"She's so consistent. She doesn't make mistakes, that's the key for me."

Warm reception for Frost

With the 2m mares' maiden hurdle carrying the race title Vote Hollie Doyle Sports Personality 2020, it was fitting another of the sport's stars of the saddle, Bryony Frost, claimed the honours on Martello Sky.

Bryony Frost: won the opener on Martello SkyCredit: Steve Davies/Pool

Frost's popularity was recognised by the small crowd – around 350 annual members – and the jockey enjoyed the warm welcome.

"It's good to hear," she said. "It makes a difference, people giving you the thumbs up and saying good luck."

Martello Sky was making it three wins from as many starts at the track, and Frost added of the Lucy Wadham-trained winner: "She's done it very well for her first time over hurdles. She landed a few on a baby stride but when I really needed her, she's seen the last [flight], measured it and pinged it perfectly."

The strength and depth of female riding talent was firmly on show, with Page Fuller also riding a winner.

Fuller partnered the Andrew Balding-trained Diocletian to an emphatic ten-length victory in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Houlihan successfully steps into the breach

Conditional Niall Houlihan equalled his best tally for a season with a winning spare on the front-running Gorham's Cave in the 2m handicap hurdle.

Houlihan was deputising for Josh Moore, who took a heavy fall at Ascot on Saturday, and made it seven winners for the season with a nine-and-a-half length success.

The winning jockey said: "He really enjoyed it round there. He got a nice lead in front and his hurdling improved throughout the race."

Houlihan just failed in his bid for a double as Episode was unable to reel in Princess Roxy, who won the 2m5f mares' handicap chase for a first success over fences.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more:

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Racing waits, hopes and votes as record-breaking Hollie Doyle chases BBC award

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