Fontwell: Video Highlights

The seven-year-old son of Tikkanen had finished second five times and third on a further five occasions prior to yesterday’s meeting held under gloomy skies in West Sussex.

But the 8/11 favourite hit the mark at the 14th time of asking in the Society Of St James Handicap Chase under the track’s top jockey Tom Cannon.

Bridgwater, who trains in Gloucestershire, said: ‘I am absolutely gobsmacked why he hasn’t done it before.

‘It was a nice opportunity and he should win again.

‘It was probably the wrong track for him, the wrong distance, everything was wrong, the ground was wrong.

‘But he is a good horse.

‘Three miles on better ground with suit him, perhaps.

‘Tom Scudamore will tell you he’ll be better with him on as well!

‘But it is great for the owners.

‘He is a home-bred horse and they have been very patient.

‘He has run some cracking races and been second and third God knows how many times.

‘So it is brilliant to get a first win.’

The meeting began with an impressive victory for Bigmartre in the ABP Southampton Gateway To World Novices’ Hurdle.

Harry Whittington’s French recruit, who had struggling with his jumping across the Channel, defeated favourite Board Of Trade by five lengths under Gavin Sheehan.

The jockey said: ‘We went a nice, steady gallop.

‘He probably won because he got an easy lead and he already had a little experience.

‘But we were confident enough coming to Fontwell.’

Whittington added: ‘He was a little bit guessy in France.

‘He wasn’t be best jumper if you watch his races.

‘Chris King has done plenty of poles work with him to get him using his feet properly and making a nice shape over his jumps.

‘His schooling has really improved since then.’