Neil Mulholland© Photo Healy Racing
Fox Norton looked like a horse jumping into the big time when he made a mockery of his rating to come home unchallenged in the Randox Health Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Having shown some of his best form at Prestbury Park, including when third in the Arkle Trophy at the Festival in March, Fox Norton looked happy and assured throughout his first venture into a handicap.
In front at the top of the hill, Noel Fehily was just doing the steering over the last three fences as the heavily-backed 5-2 favourite converted some substantial bets to score by 11 lengths from Sizing Platinum.
Trainer Neil Mulholland said: "We felt there was big improvement in him through the summer and I've been very happy with him in all departments, especially in his work.
"I'd say that could be it for handicaps and we can look at the Shloer Chase back here."
Mulholland and Fehily made it a double when Shantou Village (4-6 favourite) was an odds-on winner of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Novices' Chase.
A mistake at the fence at the top of the hill temporarily checked the favourite's momentum but in spite of getting into a minor bumping match with Brother Tedd coming down the hill, he was soon back in control.
Mulholland said: "He was struck into in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival but we have always known fences would bring out the best in him.
"Apart from that one blip, I was pleased with his jumping and in the end he's done it really well.
"Noel was delighted and so am I - it's been a good day."
