'He loves it around Southwell' – Duke Of Luckley gains third course win with dominant display in handicap chase

Duke Of Luckley continued his affinity with the Nottinghamshire track when taking his course record to three wins from five with a front-running success in the 2m handicap chase. 

The Martin Keighley-trained seven-year-old was given an attacking ride by James Best to score by five and a half lengths. 

His other victory away from Southwell came at Catterick in 2022, while he has finished out of the first two just once in his last seven starts now.

Keighley said: “He loves it around Southwell and takes some stopping from the front there. James gets on well with him and you have to be brave on him.

“He’s been a frustrating second at Worcester the last twice, being collared late on having run his heart out, but Southwell suits him better and he’s consistent."

Perfect start from Pol

Roger Pol made a successful start to his career over fences when winning the 2m4½f novice handicap chase.

The Jamie Snowden-trained six-year-old has finished in the first three in eight of his 11 starts now and gained a fourth victory by two and a quarter lengths under Gavin Sheehan.

Three more for Skeltons

Dan and Harry Skelton celebrated a three-timer with Deep Purple and Asian Star gaining their first wins under rules in the 2m bumper and 2m mares’ novice hurdle followed by Queens Venture landing the 2m4½f novice handicap hurdle.

James Bowen himself returned to the winner’s spot twice after victories on Holokea, trained by his father Peter and brother Mickey in the 3m½f maiden hurdle, and Goblet Of Fire for Nicky Henderson in the 2m handicap hurdle.

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