Wrong course jockeys suspended at Huntingdon

A quiet afternoon at Huntingdon started off with drama as only three of the runners in the Cromwell Stand Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle took the correct course.

The majority of the field went the wrong way at a marker at the start of the race but continued through the extended two miles and five furlongs.

Rawaaj passed the post first but the 5-2 favourite Dancing Daffodil, who would have been fifth, was awarded the race as she was the first one back to have followed the correct route under Christopher Ward.

Giollacca was second and Sovereign Spirit third.

Winning trainer Robin Dickin said: "They have jumped the first and you are supposed to keep left, but most of them have gone right down the chase course.

"Luckily my jockey had walked the course."

Luckily it all went smoothly in the Brampton Handicap Chase as Silver Dollars cashed in for trainer David Arbuthnot.

Overlaw was the 6-4 favourite after showing sparkle on his return from a break and he bowled along under Paddy Brennan until he was worn out by the holding ground in the home straight.

This allowed Silver Dollars (2-1) to assume command and finish 18 lengths clear in the hands of Daryl Jacob.

It was Arbuthnot's second winner in three days and he said: "Luckily they are running well at the moment.

"I had to run here in spite of the ground as I thought this looked a very moderate race.

"He has run a couple of times quite quickly and will be tired after that."

Nicky Henderson introduced yet another promising sort in the EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

Bookmakers were clearly well aware of Henderson's expertise in this sphere and made Spirit Son, in the colours of Michael Buckley, the 8-13 favourite in this two-mile event on the back of an Auteuil bumper victory back in September.

It was a pretty flawless display, with Spirit Son jumping fluently for Barry Geraghty and coming home two and half lengths in front.

"That was quite good," said Henderson.

"He came to me in October and has always done everything nicely.

"He's quite sharp, but still quite green.

"There isn't a plan, but I'm sure we will try something a little more ambitious now."

On the back of the opening event, Peter Carberry, Harry Challoner, Sam Twiston-Davies, Henry Brooke, Gemma Grace-Davison, Matt Crawley, Matt O'Connor and Nathan Sweeney were suspended for 12 days (January 28 - February 8).

Carberry, Challoner, Twiston-Davies, Brooke, Gracey-Davison, Crawley and O'Connor were given an extra three days for failing to pull up having knowingly taken the wrong course and given an extra three days (February 9-11).