Santini delivers the goods

Horse Racing
Fusil Raffles set for return

Nicky Henderson’s Santini lived up to his billing as he made a winning debut over fences in the Ladbrokes John Francome Novices’ Chase.

The six-year-old had not been seen since his Grade One win at Aintree in April but was back with a bang at Newbury.

Henderson’s charge looks to have adjusted to fences with relative ease and battled past his rivals in the extended two-mile-seven-furlong contest.

Santini did make one mistake during the race but managed to ride down Rocky’s Treasure after the last.

When asked about his performance, Henderson told reporters: ‘You would have to be very pleased about it.

I was nervous about the ground.

He is a beautiful horse, but he is big and he is gross.

He is quite laid-back about it at home.

‘We got on the grass on Thursday to school and that was the first day he has woken up, but he is like that.

I couldn’t believe he was straight enough, to be honest.

He is so lazy about it all.

I thought it was a great performance.

‘Nico (de Boinville) gave him a lovely ride, as he let him find his feet, and although he made a couple of little mistakes, he let him think about it.

‘He jumped a couple a little bit big, but he was just learning and he will learn a lot for today and will come on any amount.’

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