Diamond Harry made the transition from hurdling to fences in impressive fashion with an easy victory in the sportingbet.com Altcar Novices’ Chase at Haydock.

His task was made easier when Bensalem fell at the third-last when the two were vying for the lead, but the 8-11 shot got over that obstacle safely and bounded clear.

Barry Geraghty, riding the Nick Williams-trained gelding for the first time, was able to take more time with Diamond Harry over the last two two fences to win by 16 lengths from Knockara Beau, who was hampered when Bensalem crashed out.

Stan James cut Diamond Harry to 6-1 from 12s for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

Geraghty, standing in for regular pilot Timmy Murphy who was required to ride at Ascot, said: “He was very good. Just for one second he was a bit flat footed but he jumped brilliantly in the straight.

“It’s good to school the opposition!”

Twist magic was also a big bet at 13/8 on Betfair for the VC Chase at Ascot….

Twist Magic made amends for his defeat in the Victor Chandler Chase two years ago with a superb all-the-way win in the Ascot feature. Ruby Walsh did not have his own way as Tony McCoy on Petit Robin tried to draw the stamina out of the 11-8 favourite, but his jumping won the day. While Petit Robin made crucial errors, Twist Magic came up trumps everytime. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding sailed over the final fence and had 12 lengths in hand of Petit Robin at the line.

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Full Result
1st 1 Diamond Harry 9-2
2nd 11 Burton Port (IRE) 3-1 F
3rd 16 Lysander (GER) 14-1
4th 4 Pause And Clause (IRE) 14-1