Jack Tudor and Joe Tizzard team up again as The Widdow Maker rolls back the years

The emerging Jack Tudor and Joe Tizzard partnership scored again when The Widdow Maker returned to form in the 2m3f veterans' handicap chase.

Stable jockey Brendan Powell was aboard 6-5 favourite Le Ligerien, but it was the 11-year-old who prevailed to record a first success since February 2022, with Le Ligerien finishing last of the four runners.

The Widdow Maker, who was placed at Grade 1 level as a novice chaser, had been off the track for two years with a leg injury before returning this season.

Tizzard said: "It was nice to see him back, he'd been off the track for two years. These races are made for him as I'm not sure he'd win a normal handicap chase. We'll have a look at the veterans [middle distance] final for him at Haydock next. We could think about it with Le Ligerien too who has been a great horse for us.

"Jack is riding well and I think that's his third winner for us. It's handy to have him."

Tizzard had The Changing Man and Rock My Way finish second at the Cheltenham Festival last week and the trainer said: "We had a good week and it was great to see the horses running well. JPR One was running a nice race before his mistake too. We can't be too disappointed, but you always want more."

Surprise result

Devon Dude, the 1-5 favourite, was turned over in the 2m½f maiden hurdle by Star Artist but the 1-14 shot J J Moon did come out on top in a match for the 2m5½f maiden hurdle, scoring by half a length from Dino Magic.

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