Chantry House delights Henderson with victory at first time of asking over fences

Supreme Novices’ third takes to bigger obstacles with aplomb.

Chantry House made his debut over fences a triumphant one in the Ascot Racecourse Supports Safer Gambling Week Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle third looked a natural on his first chasing start, running out a convincing winner of the two-mile-three-furlong contest.

Settled in behind the early pace, the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old had his task made easier when chief market rival Pic D’Orhy took a fall at the third-last.

Left with just outsider of the trio Up The Straight to beat, the 4-9 favourite only needed to be shaken up over the final two fences before crossing the line 26 lengths clear of his sole rival.

Henderson said: “He was having a really good blow. Nico (de Boinville) said coming out of Swinley Bottom he was taking his first blow. It’s quite tiring ground out there. I was really pleased with his jumping. It was good and tidy, but you have to be a bit careful going down that hill with one first time out.

“Once he pulled him out and said ‘come on, go for it’ he was quite relaxed and warmed to it all the way up the hill.

“You need to be fairly sure of a horse to bring them here first time.”

Assessing future plans for Chantry House – who is quoted at 12-1 for the Marsh Novices’ Chase in March with Coral and Betfair – the Seven Barrows handler hinted a return to Ascot next month for the Grade Two Jacquart Noel Novices’ Chase could be on the agenda.

He said: “He learnt a lot today and could come back here at Christmas.

“He certainly is not going to go down in trip and that was about ideal for now. One day he is almost certainly going to get further.”

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Nicky Henderson Chantry House

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