Cheltenham countdown - news digest

The Grade Two Wragge & Co Juvenile Novices' Hurdle over 2m 1f at Cheltenham on Saturday was won by the ante-post favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, Franchoek (Trempolino - Snow House, by Vacarme), who won in style, quickening off a strong pace under a fine front-running ride from Robert Thornton.

Peter Bowen's Serabad chased him home, showing excellent form in finishing sixth lengths adrift of the winner. Squadron, like the winner trained by Alan King, was third, having won on his NH debut at Sandown last time out.

Alan King said after the race: "His confidence will be growing and Katchit got better as time went on.

"It is now straight to Cheltenham and we will ride him handy in the Triumph. He will handle quick ground as he showed when winning on the Flat at Goodwood."

Inglis Drever had been interrupted in his preparation due to snow at Howard Johnson's yard last week, but he showed himself to be in good form ahead of the World Hurlde, winning the Byrne Brothers Cleeve Hurdle over 3 miles.

Ridden by Richard Johnson for the first time, Inglis Drever took time to get into the race, but made good progress down the hill ad leapt to the lead and galloped clear to a five length win over his old rival Blazing Bailey.