'That was a big surprise' - Dartnall in shock as Admiral's Secret sails in

The hard work of Victor Dartnall with troublesome character Admiral's Secret is being rewarded in some style as he landed a hat-trick by taking the feature 2m handicap chase, a result the trainer said was 'a big surprise' even to him.

Admiral's Secret twice refused to race in 2019 and has caused Dartnall endless problems at home, with low expectations for his seasonal return over a much shorter trip than his optimum, despite ending the last campaign with two successive wins.

But the testing ground, which became heavier throughout the day, helped the nine-year-old’s stamina come to the fore as he saw off the Colin Tizzard-trained Molineaux under Alan Johns.

"That was a big surprise to us; he usually needs a tune-up first time out," Dartnall said. "He hit the second pretty hard and Alan said that just made him a bit more careful with his fences.

Victor Dartnall: trainer of Admiral's SecretCredit: Dan Mullan/Pinnacle

"He's been very difficult at times on the track and he can be like that at home too. It's taken a while to work out his issues."

Whisky winner

Misty Whisky was a Listed bumper winner last year before struggling to adapt to hurdles, but the Harry Fry-trained mare is now showcasing her abundant potential as she increased her record this season to two from two in the 2m5f mares' novice hurdle.

Winning jockey Sean Bowen said: "She never enjoyed it last year and her jumping wasn't great, but she's sorting it all out now.

"She's got plenty of experience now, so hopefully she can go for something a little better."

Results, replays and analysis

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