Nicholls works the oracle with Ibal
A change of stables looks to have done the trick for Ibal, who at Leicester on Tuesday recorded his first success for two years.
Winner of the 2001 Imperial Cup over hurdles at Sandown when trained by Dina Smith, he looked to have a bright future over fences winning twice but then lost his way.
Owners Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton decided eight weeks ago to take Ibal back to Paul Nicholls, who trained the horse in his early days.
Tongue-tied for the first time, the 7-4 favourite jumped into the lead two out and when his main rival Jordans Lad fell at the last, he came home by eight lengths from Impertio in the Lay, Back And Relax With ibetX.com Handicap Chase.
“He was a lovely horse on heavy ground who lost his way,” said Hayward.
“He has come down the handicap a lot but didn’t look too good on today’s performance. Let’s hope this has done his confidence a world of good and he can go forward.”
Simon Sherwood came out of the shadows thanks to a 79-1 double – his first winners for 199 days.
The Worcestershire trainer, who only has a small string these days, struck with Isard Du Buard and Laurier D’Estruval.
Isard Du Buard (22-1) ended Sherwood’s lean spell by winning the iBetX.com Wizard of Aus Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Joe Tizzard rode both horses and is now one short of 50 winners for the season after steering Laurier D’Estruval to victory in the iBetxtra.extra Classified Chase.
The well-backed 5-2 favourite won cosily by eight lengths from Polished much to Sherwood’s relief.
Said the trainer: “We’ve tried several distances with him and had him tongue tied which he didn’t like. We dropped him back to two miles today but it was a bad race.”
As for his long time without a winner, he added: “I’ve only got 10 or 12 horses. I do more buying and selling now which I enjoy. The horses have been knocking on the door and that’s as good as they are.”
Meggie’s Beau took advantage of 11-10 favourite Headliner’s exit at the second last fence to take the iBetX.com Life Is A Gamble Novices’ Chase.
Dollar Law repaid trainer Richard Price’s faith by landing his first win since returning from a serious injury.
Two years ago the horse was almost put down after severing 90per cent of his tendons when brought down in a race at Bangor but Price ignored the vet’s advice.
After 18 months on the sidelines Dollar Law made his comeback complete with a brave performance in the Welcome To iBetX.com Day Beginners’ Chase.
Hazeljack may have earned a trip to Aintree for the John Smith’s Topham Chase after putting up a game display to win the Go Down Under With iBetX.com Handicap Chase.
