Mikey Ennis is proving a star in both spheres as he collected a big National Hunt prize on Purple Bay in the StanJames.com Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.
The Scotsman, who rode the likes of Top Notch Tonto during the Flat season, was given the call by John Ferguson to restart his partnership with Purple Bay in the Grade Two event.
There was more than a stroke of fortune to the victory, as favourite Irving took a heavy, but thankfully not damaging fall, when in front at the last and allowed the 16-1 chance to come home four lengths clear of Bertimont.
"That was brilliant, I suppose on a par with winning the Summer Hurdle on him at Market Rasen," said Ennis.
"It maintains my 100% strike-rate for (owner) Bloomfields. He ran creditably to be seventh in the Galway Hurdle and the plan was always to come here."
Harry Fry was happy with former Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby, who was third on what the trainer felt was soft enough ground for his seasonal reappearance and the Coral Hurdle at Ascot remains on the agenda.
Paul Nicholls has now taken the Bathwick Tyres Rising Stars Novices' Chase eight times, including with championship performers See More Business and Silviniaco Conti, and he clearly believes Southfield Theatre is destined for the big stage.
Beaten on the line in last season's Pertemps Final, the strong-galloping 4-6 favourite drew 11 lengths clear of Hollow Penny.
"We've been looking forward to going chasing with him and the RSA is his obvious aim," the trainer said.
"Whether we go straight to the Feltham now or give him another run, we'll see. I suppose there's the Hennessy meeting. He looks about a bit, but he's a proper horse."
Stablemate Urubu D'Irlande (5-1) sent a few twigs flying in the EBF Stallions "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle but was resolute in regaining his lead from 2-5 favourite Gaitway.
Nicholls said: "He's obviously talented but has had some problems, he had colic at one stage.
"He's just too keen and if he can get his jumping together he'll be all right. There's no fancy plans but we might run over a bit further."
