That reverse cost him a six-figure payout but the ebullient figure was full of life after Sam Thomas – rounding off a near 31-1 treble – steered the Venetia Williams-trained 100-30 chance home in division two of the southwest-racing.com Maiden Hurdle.

Findlay said: “I was potless but have backed a 4-1 winner and have loved it. I have really been out of form but had a few quid on him.

“I was in my room in Melbourne dancing about before Topless unseated his rider here the other week and couldn’t believe it.

“Venetia texted me while I was away on my birthday and said I could have my present when I got back – and this was it.

“The race was perfect for him, he looked great beforehand and it has all come up trumps.”

Williams added: “He is entered at Cheltenham and has a couple of options, but could do with some more experience first.”

Thomas was also successful for Williams aboard Carrickboy who made amends for his mishap at Towcester last week in division one of the maiden hurdle.

The 11-10 favourite failed to make it as far as the first flight on that occasion, but jumped all nine will aplomb turned out seven days later and scored with five lengths in hand.

Williams added: “He carries his head quite low and they were going no gallop and he tripped over.

“That didn’t bode well for him going over a hurdle but he is essentially a good jumper.”

Thomas’ first victory of the afternoon came as Paul Nicholls’ King Caine (5-2) was eased in grade for the TAP Medical Claiming Hurdle and capitalised with a two-and-a-half-length call.

Charlie Mann clocked up his best-ever seasonal tally thanks to Fair Point’s success in the Kingston Veterinary Group Beginners’ Chase.

The Lambourn handler moved on to 44 winners for this winter as the Noel Fehily-ridden 3-1 joint favourite outstayed Oscatello in the heavy ground – but the victory did come with the help of a large piece of agricultural machinery.

Mann said: “We had to have a tractor to tow us the five miles to the M4 as we couldn’t get out of the village.

“I am pleased this meeting is on – we haven’t seen grass for a week!

“I have always thought he would be an ideal sort for the four-miler at Cheltenham and that is where he will run next. He jumps well, likes good ground and will stay forever.”

Mann’s tractor had done its job well with his yard following up with Borero (8-1) putting his stamina to good use in the Carlsberg UK Handicap Chase.

Only five finished in the nine-runner tauntonracecourse.co.uk Handicap Hurdle with 20-1 chance Alasao emerging on top, while Lady Samantha (12-1) ploughed through the mud best of all in the Trull Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.