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Houblon Des Obeaux dominates in Denman

Houblon Des Obeaux (left)Houblon Des Obeaux (left)
© Photo Healy Racing

Houblon Des Obeaux landed his first victory since December 2013 when running out an easy winner of the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury.

The Venetia Williams-trained nine-year-old had shown little in his previous four starts this term but had good course form that included finishing second to Coneygree in this race 12 months ago.

After first Bob Ford and then Splash Of Ginge had made the running, Aidan Coleman took Houblon Des Obeaux (3-1) to the front at the 12th fence.

His willing mount pulled steadily clear and had no serious challengers in the straight as he went on to win by 28 lengths.

The Giant Bolster stayed on for the runner-up spot.

Coleman said: "This horse has run so many great, tough races in his career that I had a feeling this year he might be past his best.

"But he's back better than ever, which is good."

Williams said: "I'm thrilled to bits. If you go back to his form in this race last year, what was there to beat him?

"We've never seen the best of him over fences at Cheltenham.

"Cheltenham is a unique test, and he just doesn't get into a good rhythm there.

"Whatever we do we won't be going there."