Nacarat lands Charlie Hall

Sam Thomas rode a welcome big-race win as Nacarat landed the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

Ollie Magern set out to make all as he attempted to win the prize for a third time and turning in he had fended off all bar the eventual winner.

However it was clear that Thomas was travelling strongly and soon went to the front.

He had to survive a scare when Nacarat got in too close to the third last but Tom George's charge stayed on strongly to win well.

The Tother One seemed to run in snatches but came through for second while Deep Purple's late rattle was enough to take third, ahead of the gallant Ollie Magern.

Thomas said: "I've had a quiet week and it makes it a bit more special to have a good winner at the weekend. I'm delighted for the owners, they are very loyal and I have paid them back today.

"We got there too soon but he likes to be ridden handy. He went half a stride quicker going to the third-last, but he's a different horse this year and I think he'll be competitive wherever he goes."

George said: "We had a much easier preparation this year and I'm delighted the hard work everyone has put in has done the trick.

"He has worked just like a normal horse in the past but now he is working like a good horse, and I hope there is lot more to come as he will improve for this.

"The ground has helped him and we will have to decide where we run next, but the King George has to be high on the list of targets.

"We'll see how he is before we decide if he runs before then."

Sky Bet introduced the winner at 14-1 for the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Spokesman Matt Doyle said: "He paid the price for trying to make a race of it with Kauto Star last year in the King George and has definite place claims with the favourite sure to scare off many potential rivals."