Iberico Lord follows in the footsteps of Altior and Shishkin to win on chasing debut for Nicky Henderson

Nicky Henderson continued his strong affiliation with the 2m2f beginners' chase as Iberico Lord followed in the footsteps of his former top-class stablemates by winning on his debut over fences.

The Lambourn trainer won this race in 2016 and 2022 with Altior and Shishkin respectively, and Iberico Lord added to that trend when finishing one and a half lengths clear of Leave Of Absence.

Shishkin followed up in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase and Henderson could go down the same route with his JP McManus-owned six-year-old, although he was keen to emphasise how he was prepared to stay patient with his winner.

He said: "It [Wayward Lad] wouldn't be the worst thing, but I wouldn't be rushing to go round Ascot and Cheltenham as he needs to learn more.

"He was always on the shortlist [to go chasing] and this is where we were always going to start. He's been very good at home and it was never a question of whether we should be doing this or not.

"He could do with another of these races. I know they're boring, but it's how we make them. If you want chasers, they have to come through the system and he needs the education."

Grade 2 winner Gidleigh Park, who was also making his chase debut, was pulled up before the sixth fence. After the race, Harry Fry reported him sound but he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

Kateira jumps the final flight to win the Listed feature for Dan and Harry SkeltonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Kateira 'is brilliant'

Dan Skelton again heaped more praise on the consistent Kateira after she registered her sixth victory from 12 starts in the Listed mares' hurdle.

A Grade 3 winner at Aintree in April, the seven-year-old justified 1-2 favouritism under Harry Skelton and her trainer is confident she will only continue to improve as the season progresses.

Skelton said: "She's brilliant and I'm delighted with her. We love training this mare in the spring. Don't take anything away from this time of year, because you judge each race on its merits, but she just loves the spring. I think she would have won at Wetherby with a jump two out, which is a bit frustrating as it was a race that got away, but she's great."

On her next target, Skelton added: "We might go to Doncaster on December 14, but then I shouldn't imagine you'll see her until the spring. She loves Aintree and Sandown."

Miami Magic has Stuart Edmunds dreaming of Grade 1 prospects after winning at KemptonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Magic winner

Trainer Stuart Edmunds floated the idea of stepping Miami Magic up to Grade 1 company after his runaway success in the 2m novice hurdle.

The five-year-old's 12-length victory followed up his ten-length success at Fakenham last month and Edmunds, who believes his winner could be the best he has trained, could target the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.

Edmunds said: "I don't think I've had one as good as him before. He shows a lot of speed and why wouldn't he improve for two and a half miles? He won a point-to-point over that distance.

"I had a sneaky look at that race [at Aintree] before today because I think he's quite smart and we'll have to go somewhere quite nice. It's in my thoughts. The track would suit him as we've not run him up a hill yet and sharp tracks don't seem to be a problem.

"We'll have a look at the programme book and see where we go. He's got a great constitution and I don't think he's got a weakness."

Steady improver

Craven Bay notched a third win from four starts since joining Toby Lawes in the 3m½f handicap hurdle and his trainer believes he still has more to offer.

Lawes said: "He's a bonny horse and he seems to take a step forward each time. He's great to have about, he's great fun and it's difficult to know where the ceiling is with him."

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