'This was the target' - Marble Sands executes plan for burgeoning training partnership in Colin Parker Chase

Marble Sands delivered a notable prize to the burgeoning training partnership of David Killahena and Graeme McPherson in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase.

The eight-year-old had a race-fitness edge over his three rivals, following a couple of spins on the all-weather, and it showed as he stayed on strongest up the hill under Kielan Woods to outpoint favourite Colonel Harry.  

"This was the target, he had his two runs on the Flat to get him ready for it and he's done it nicely," said Killahena. "The ground probably wasn't ideal as it was on the slower side of good and he likes a sounder surface. 

"He won't be running on ground that's too soft and we'll have a look at what's about. If there's nothing for him in the next few weeks, the owners, who are very patient, will be happy to give him a break."

Marble Sands, who was pulled up in last season's Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase, won at Listed level as a novice hurdler and took his record over fences to three wins in six starts.

Killahena and McPherson are starting their second season since joining forces and have already surpassed last season's tally with this their 16th winner of the campaign.

"This is our first big success together," said Killahena, who was previously assistant to Fergal O'Brien. "A lot of our runners have either been placed or won. Things are going well."

Last season's Grade 2 winner Colonel Harry did not look entirely comfortable back on a right-handed track, but there were still positives to be drawn for future targets.

Jockey Gavin Sheehan said: "I was delighted with him. He threw the race away by jumping left, including at the last. He's run well and hopefully he can progress from it. I'd imagine the Coral Gold Cup [at Newbury on November 30] will be the plan now."

Listed honours for Terresita

The new season has brought a change of luck for Terresita, who gained a valuable black-type success in the Listed Houghton Mares' Chase.

The Lucy Wadham-trained seven-year-old was travelling ominously well at last season's finale meeting at Sandown in April before coming down two fences from home.

Terresita leads the field over a fence in the Listed Houghton Mares' ChaseCredit: John Grossick

She made the long journey north from Newmarket worthwhile in the £40,000 contest on the track's richest ever raceday, despite having it all to do on ratings.  

After going one better than in the feature Colin Parker on Colonel Harry, Sheehan said: "I should have won on her at Sandown, but we tipped up at the second-last. There was black type here and I rode her to pick up the pieces and see what happened. She showed a lot of scope and it went quite smoothly." 

Exciting start over hurdles

Bill Joyce, a smart bumper horse who was sent off Britain's shortest-priced runner in last season's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, made an eyecatching hurdle debut for the in-form O'Neill team.

The Dan Walker-owned five-year-old, who fetched £225,000 after winning an Irish point last year, was a dominant winner of the 2m4f novice hurdle under Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

The jockey and his father Jonjo O'Neill combined to win the race last year with Johnnywho, who contested the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle on his next start.

Joint-trainer AJ O'Neill said of the 4-6 winner: "He's a lovely, big horse and we always thought he'd go well for an obstacle. 

"He was probably not really a bumper horse, but he was strong enough to be able to compete last season. We're delighted with the way he started and hopefully he'll continue that way." 

Successful first visit

Harry Derham struck with his first runner at the track when Slugger won the 2m1f handicap hurdle on his stable debut for owners Fight Club, a syndicate which includes golfer Lee Westwood.

Read this next:

200-1 shot becomes the joint-second longest-priced winner in Britain after maiden hurdle success 

Top jockeys such as Harry Cobden can't do their jobs without it – and you can subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months! Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code MEMBERS24. First three payments will be charged at £24.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.