Tritonic puts the cherry on the Christmas cake for in-form owner Max McNeill

Saturday: Ascot

Owner Max McNeill capped a remarkable end to 2021 as Tritonic put another £60,000 in the Christmas kitty with a strong staying performance in the Betfair Exchange Trophy.

The long-standing owner has enjoyed the most prolific spell of his 16 years in the sport this autumn and teamed up with joint-owner Ian Dale to put the cherry on the Christmas cake with Tritonic.

"It's fantastic," said McNeill. "All week we've been saying we're building up to this. We've had some nice winners but it was all about Tritonic. We thought he had a right chance if they went a gallop and they didn't half fly past the stands first time.

"I read Pricewise's comments in the Racing Post earlier and kind of thought, 'You might be right', and he was spot on. That will do now – it's all going to go downhill from here."

Tritonic: could head to the Betfair Hurdle nextCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February could be the next port of call for the winner, who beat Onemorefortheroad by two and three-quarter lengths, with Garry Clermont a further half-length away in third.

Annsam lifts spirits

A day after losing stable star Silver Streak on the gallops, trainer Evan Williams enjoyed some small consolation as Annsam landed the Howden Silver Cup.

Making just his fifth start over fences, Annsam stayed on strongly on just his second start over three miles to run out a four-and-a-quarter-length winner from Phoenix Way.

"We were only going on breeding and what we were half hoping he could do," said Williams. "I was a bit critical of the handicapper after his victory at Ludlow [last year]. I thought we had just tootled around in a small-field race. I have to admit he was right."

Annsam: a welcome winner for trainer Evan WilliamsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The race was marred by an injury to Daryl Jacob, who received medical attention for some time on the track before being transported to hospital with a suspected hip or leg injury after the first-fence fall of Caribean Boy.

Easy for Ardhill

Having made hard work of it at times in Ireland, Ardhill looked a different proposition altogether on his first trip to Britain, turning the 2m7½f novice handicap hurdle into a procession in first-time blinkers.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, Ardhill had been beaten out of sight on his previous five starts over hurdles and fences but was backed from double-figure odds on Friday evening to return the 4-1 favourite.

"It was as easy as you get," said winning rider Adam Wedge, who was sitting motionless from the back of the last. "I just had to point and steer. The more I took a pull the better he went. The blinkers have made a big difference to him."

Winning owner Danny Charlesworth added: "We had a little bit each-way – we thought he'd be in the frame definitely. He wasn't quite right last year. There were a few niggles and Gordon seemed to think he'd got him right.

"Gordon said Ardhill seemed like he was really well at home and he'd like to take him to Ascot and I said brilliant. Hopefully he's going to progress from this."

Williams bandwagon rolls on

For the second day running Venetia Williams recorded an across-the-card double, with L'Homme Presse landing the 2m5f graduation chase after stablemate Green Book obliged at Haydock.

L'Homme Presse's task was made significantly easier when market rival Pencilfulloflead crashed out at the ninth but, just as he had on his chase debut at Exeter, the winner looked a novice chaser full of potential as he put 13 lengths between himself and runner-up Legends Ryde.

"It was a good performance from a novice," said the winning trainer. "He always looked like he was a chaser rather than a hurdler. He's a fluent mover and an intelligent horse."

Results, replays and analysis

Catch-up on Saturday’s action:

Long Walk: Options open for 'old friend' Champ as he stamps his class back over hurdles

Expert jury: How do you see the Stayers' Hurdle picture after Champ's Long Walk Hurdle win?

Lee Mottershead: 'He wanted a cuddle' - long week ends in Long Walk for emotional Henderson (Members’ Club)

Navan: Champion Bumper favourite American Mike remains unbeaten with dominant victory

Haydock: 'If you get it wrong, you'll get it right next time' - Hammond gets it spot on

Upping The Ante star Gavin Lynch joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday, exclusively for Members' Club subscribers. Sign up to Members' Club here for more top jumps season insight.