Nocte Volatus jets to Veterans' victory Nocte Volatus took flight at Sandown to land the Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase for Stan Sheppard and Tom Lacey. Nocte Volatus Thrives In Veterans' Company The 11-year-old went off the 11-4 favourite for the contest, which is run over three miles for a first prize of over £50,000. The race was not without dramatic moments as Annsam fell, Copperhead unseated and Gustavian made jumping errors at the railway fences, but Nocte Volatus stayed out of trouble to claim a length-and-a-quarter win from Le Milos. "This is a great initiative for these older horses," Sheppard told ITV Racing. "He struggled a bit all last year, but stepping up to three miles in that sort of company has really suited him. "He used to over-race a bit but he's finally settled and he gets three miles better than he used to. Sheppard Enjoys Straightforward Ride To Victory "It was a stiffer test today than the last time and that was the only question mark I had, but he's done it really well. "It was very straightforward for me, he got into a lovely rhythm. With his jumping he is on edge at a few, he's got his own way of doing it so you just have to hold on tight!"
