'He warmed up to the task nicely' - Johnnywho beats Grade 1-placed rivals to make successful chasing debut at Carlisle

All three runners in the 2m4f novice chase made the frame in Grade 1 company over hurdles last season but it was Johnnywho who fared best of the chasing debutants to land the opener.

Cherie D'Am was sent off the 11-8 favourite but could manage only third as Bugise Seagull, who like the market leader was third at the highest level at Aintree in April when last seen, chased home Johnnywho.

The JP McManus-owned winner made it two from two at the track when emulating his successful hurdling debut at the course last November.

"He warmed up to the task nicely," winning rider Jonjo O'Neill Jr told Racing TV. "I think over two and a half [miles], he'd probably appreciate a bit slower ground."

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old was fourth in last year's Challow Hurdle and when asked if a return to Newbury for next month's Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase could be on the cards, O'Neill Jr said: "Those kind of tracks would be ideal for him. He'll hopefully have plenty of options."

Cherie D'Am's trainer Dan Skelton later landed the 3m2f novice handicap chase with Illico De Cotte.

Brilliant Barlovento

200-1 shot Grand Geste was nearly a poignant winner of the 2m4f novice hurdle. The Sue Smith-trained outsider was the first time the colours of John Wade had been seen on a racecourse since the owner's death on Wednesday and he led inside the final half-furlong before being collared by Barlovento.

Barlovento (right) gets up to beat Grande Geste, who was running in the silks of the late John WadeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Winning rider Sean Bowen and trainer Olly Murphy were denied a double when Dominic's Fault was beaten a short-head by Kilbrainy.

Fantastic Five

Plaisir Des Flos completed a five-timer in the first division of the 2m4f handicap hurdle under Jack Hogan, who also won the finale on The Flier Begley.

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