Eamon Sheehy's Justified returned to winning ways at Newbury on Wednesday, when putting in a solid round of jumping to land the Pheasant Inn Novices' Chase.
The seven-year-old, a leading fancy for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, made all under Tony McCoy to land a
competitive-looking two-mile-one-furlong event at odds of 8-13.
The gelding travelled well throughout and moved clear of runner-up Cornish, who blundered at the second last, on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths.
Sheehy was satisfied with Justified's performance particularly in light of his rough journey from Ireland to Newbury.
"He had a terrible journey over," said the trainer. "The travelling
arrangements did not work out and we were on the road for 17 hours yesterday. Owing the circumstances, I'm well pleased.
"Tony said he went pretty quick down the back straight and he was idling a bit on his own in front. But he was pleased with the way the horse picked up again when he was challenged and I'm happy if he's happy."
