'I didn’t think he’d be that sort of money' - bargain-buy strikes on first start for Chris Grant

Natural Ability: on his way to a winning debut for Chris GrantCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Bargain-buy Natural Ability recouped more than three-times his purchase price when making a successful debut for Chris Grant in the 2m½f novice handicap chase.

Grant bought the six-year-old for £1,000 last month after the gelding had extended his winless run to 13 when pulled up by Danny McMenamin at Southwell on his final outing for Adrian Keatley.

McMenamin had a key role in the breakthrough victory, apart from steering the 3-1 shot to success, as Grant told Sky Sports Racing.

“Danny said if he was a cheap horse he was worth buying," said Grant “He’d been fourth around here [on Natural Ability] and he said for little money he’d be all right. I didn’t think he’d be that sort of money but it’s worked out.”

Grant had earlier seen his Foster’s Fortune beaten a nose by Suitably Surprised in the opening 2m1f handicap hurdle for conditional riders in which Charlie Maggs rode his first winner for Sam England.

Suitably Surprised had chased home Clean Getaway over course and distance last Tuesday and that Phil Kirby-trained winner followed up in the finale to complete a hat-trick under Joe Williamson.

Clean Getaway completes a hat-trick in the 2m4f limited novice handicap hurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

It could have been a double for Kirby and Williamson had 15-8 favourite Zwicky not been denied by Old Page in the 3m2½f handicap chase.

The Ellis Collier-ridden winner was a first over jumps for trainer David Thompson since January.

Jones long trip pays off

Ben Jones made it two winners from as many rides at the track this season when helping Mill Street get off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt.

The son of star dirt performer Medaglia D'Oro justified 5-2 favouritism in the 2m1f juvenile hurdle for Gloucestershire trainer Ben Pauling, who was sending out his third winner in a row.

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