Paddy returns to winning ways

Paddy`s Return bounced back to winning ways for the first time in two years when landing the Sporting Index Select Handicap Cross Country Chase under Paul Carberry at Cheltenham today.

The Ferdy Murphy-trained nine-year-old found what was required to hold off the renewed challenge of favourite Galapiat Du Mesnil in the closing stages by a length and a half.

And Murphy declared that the winner, whose last victory came 23 months ago, would be in for a spell of travelling next year as he targets a valuable cross country race in Merano before a tilt at Czechoslovakia`s Prix Velka Pardubice.

The trainer said: 'The main thing today was that he had experience around this track when he was third here last time and that was a big plus.

'He was in front long enough as he`s a bit of an enigmatic type but in the end he battled on well.

'He`s only nine but it seems as if he`s been around for ever - let`s be fair the cross country course here was not even built when he won the 1996 Triumph Hurdle at the Festival.

'I booked Paul for the horse as soon as I knew Adrian (Maguire) had been banned and he`s given him a cracking ride.

'No-one is riding better than Paul at the moment, that`s why he`s getting so many winners in Ireland.'

Not so lucky was French jockey Jaques Ricou who was found to have used his whip with excessive frequency aboard fifth home Malandrin and he was banned for four days (December 26th-29th).

Martin Pipe smashed through the Stg£1million in prize-money barrier for the season after It Takes Time, partnered by Tony McCoy, came from last to first to lift the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at the expense of stablemate Janus Du Cochet.

McCoy had earlier initiated a double when steering Philip Hobbs` In Contrast to a two and a half length verdict over Robber Baron for the Eagle Pest Control/EBF `National Hunt` Novices` Hurdle.

Norman Williamson was also in double form following victories for Silver Streak in the Ian Williams` Owners Novices` Chase and Royale De Vassy, who fought off Royal Predica for the George Stevens Chase.

Yorkshire trainer Les Eyre saddled his first winner around Prestbury Park when Benbyas, ridden by Tony Dobbin, proved too strong for Tikram in the C F Roberts (Electrical Contractors) Handicap Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson has his string in cracking form at present and kept up the good work with Montpelier, who lengthened three and a half lengths clear of top-weight Iris Bleu in the Tripleprint Conditional Jockeys` Handicap Chase.