More news from Newbury, where Chris Gordon was left hoping he might have a Cheltenham Festival runner.
Hello George put his injury problems behind him when grinding out victory in the William Hill "High 5" Supporting Greatwood Seniors' Handicap Hurdle at Newbury.
After finishing fifth on his return from more than a year on the sidelines at Exeter on New Year's Day, the eight-year-old stepped up on that effort to take his first win since October 2015 in the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest.
Moving on past long-time leader Royal Guardsman over the second last, the 5-2 favourite pulled out plenty under champion jockey Richard Johnson before passing the post 11 lengths clear of Spice Fair.
Philip Hobbs, winning trainer, said: "Richard Johnson thinks he probably ought to go further so we might well go three miles next time.
"He had a tendon problem after winning at Kelso, that's why he had been off for a long time until New Year's Day.
"He got extremely fat and he would have needed that run (at Exeter). Hopefully he will have a couple more runs over hurdles this season and then go chasing next season."
Harry Cobden delivered Just A Par with a well-timed ride to get up late and claim the Betway Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase.
Although failing to inspire in both his previous outings this season, the 10-year-old showed what he is capable of when on a going day.
Benefiting from a patient ride, the the Paul Nicholls-trained 14-1 shot steadily picked off his rivals throughout the three-and-a-quarter-mile prize before staying on strongly up the run in to defeat No Duffer by two and a quarter lengths.
Following the race, the winner was cut from 66-1 into 33-1 for the Randox Health Grand National by William Hill. Nicholls said: "It was a little bit of a surprise but he has got lots of ability. I said to Harry today 'don't worry how far you drop him in, just let him pass horses and if they go quick, just let him pick them up'.
"He has been jumping off handy, but he's better jumping off last then at least it lets him pass horses and get his confidence up as opposed to doing the opposite.
"He (Harry) gave him a great ride. His next date is the sale on the Thursday before the National before running in the National, then he will go for the Bet365."
Harry Reed celebrated his biggest winner of his fledgling career after steering Remiluc to victory in the William Hill "High 5" Supporting Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
Having been kept close to the pace throughout the extended two-mile event by the 7lb claimer, the Chris Gordon-trained eight-year-old showed a good attitude to add to his Fontwell win back in November.
Although Chesterfield moved through late on, he could not find what was required to go on with the 9/1 shot with two and three-quarter lengths separating the pair at the line.
Gordon said: "That was great. We've had a lot of problems with this horse. He had an infection in his wither. He had two bone operations and had two lots of bone cut out, so he is is lucky to be here really.
"He can't run right handed any more as he won't change legs. He nearly hung off course at Taunton and Boxing Day at Kempton was a disaster.
"Fingers crossed he will get into the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle."
