Cheltenham doubles for Hobbs and Johnson

The former Eoin Doyle-trained 'pointer' Champagne West beat stablemate Colour Squadron to give Philip Hobbs a one-two in a slightly unsatisfactory renewal of the usually informative Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.

With the likes of Dynaste, Imperial Commander and Denman on its roll of honour, it takes a smart type to win the contest, but because of the low sun all the fences in the home straight needed to be dolled off.

Still, that won't have worried Hobbs or jockey Richard Johnson, who were completing a double after the success of Bold Henry in the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase.

Urban Hymn set just a steady pace and with half a mile to run Champagne West (7-2), fourth in the Albert Bartlett last season, loomed up looking a major threat.

Colour Squadron was second in the Paddy Power and at the Festival last season and while Tom O'Brien tracked Johnson into the straight, he never looked like getting to him and went down by three and a quarter lengths.

Johnson said: "He did it well and jumped nicely. I know people might not be satisfied with missing the fences, but when we came up the straight we couldn't even see the boards dolling off the fences, never mind the fences themselves.

"He got going too early if anything and last year he improved for a run, so he may do again. The ground is heavy in places now, but he's a real stayer."

Hobbs added: "On form Colour Squadron looked the best chance of the two, but he just doesn't win and he's bumped into a good one from the same stable.

"Champagne West is marking time over two and a half miles as he's a horse who wants to be going three miles. He was a bit careful at the third, but the ones he did jump he was very good at. You'd hope he'd come back here in March."

The winner was given a 20-1 quote for the RSA Chase by Betfred.