Magic Of Light 2nd at Huntingdon

Jockey Richard Patrick celebrated the biggest winner of his career at Huntingdon as Happy Diva went one better than 12 months ago in the Pertemps Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase.

After breaking his collarbone aboard the Kerry Lee-trained mare in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, the 23-year-old gained a bittersweet success aboard the 9-2 shot in the Listed contest.

Taking it up after the second-last, the eight-year-old, who finished third at Ascot on Saturday, repelled the late fightback from long-time leader and even-money favourite Magic Of Light to take the two-and-a-half-mile contest by a length.

Patrick said: “It has been a frustrating season for myself and Kerry, but we have been knocking on the door. I’ve been on the cold list for a while. Since I’ve come back from injury I’ve had something like 25 rides and about eight seconds.

“Jessica Harrington’s horse (Magic Of Light) ran the same day as us so we both had the same issue. She is as tough as nails.

“She does nothing flashy at home. She deserved to win one like that. She has a hard run every time and always bumps into one. All credit to Kerry and Happy Diva. It was a big call to bring her here.

Following the race the winner was introduced at 16-1 for the Brown Advisory Merriebelle Stable Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, which will be her next target, according to connections.

Richard Lee, father of the winning trainer, said: “She deserved to win a good race like that.

“Kerry was in two minds if she was going to run, as she only ran on Saturday, but it looked like cutting up and when we knew Lady Buttons wasn’t going to run we decided to have a crack.

“There is nothing for her for a while and she will go for the two-mile-five handicap at the Festival. This is great for the owner, as he has been a big supporter of the yard.”