Little Bruce goes one better in North Yorkshire Grand National for Kirby

Phil Kirby: lost appeal but has big chester Cup ambitions

Phil Kirby: on the mark with Little BruceCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Santa Claus really smiled on Phil Kirby – and the go-ahead trainer has not stopped winning big prizes since Christmas.

Top Ville Ben earned a Cheltenham Gold Cup entry with victory in the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day while stablemate Lady Buttons looked a possible Queen Mother Champion Chase contender when scoring in Listed company at Doncaster three days later.

And Kirby's late decision to change plans for Little Bruce paid off as his bonny stayer stepped up on last year's efforts to land the Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick.

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Published on 9 January 2020inReports

Last updated 20:31, 9 January 2020

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