Racing: There are few cooler jockeys around than Timmy Murphy and he produced a riding masterclass to deliver Harris Bay to his finest career success in the Allied Irish Bank (GB) Private Banking Handicap Chase at Ascot.
This new race had attracted a useful field, not least 2-1 favourite Lou Du Moulin Mas, who attempted to make most of the running under Ruby Walsh and was still in front at the final fence.
But Harris Bay (8-1), who has been beset by breathing concerns through his career but has now won six of his last eight starts, crept into position and was coaxed home on the run-in to defeat his rival by a length and a half, with Tango Royal third and the rest well-beaten.
"That was some ride," said winning trainer Henrietta Knight as the rain lashed the winner's enclosure. "I don't think anyone else could have won that, you have to say Timmy won the race. He's had wind problems and had another operation in the summer. He didn't seem to be making any noises and we gave him a run over hurdles to get him on his way."
Bishop's Bridge (3-1 favourite) landed the Allied Irish Bank (GB) Handicap Chase in the style of a fast-improving horse.
In taking his record to three from three since joining Emma Lavelle's upwardly mobile yard, the eight-year-old was ridden with confidence throughout by Barry Fenton.
Nicky Henderson habitually has his horses in prime form at this time of year and he added yet another winner to his haul as 13-8 favourite All Star made a successful debut over fences in the OSTC Beginners' Chase.
Jonjo O'Neill and Tony McCoy earned gratitude from the punters as 2-1 favourite The King Of Angels landed the Nicholas Cunningham Memorial "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.
The champion jockey was scrubbing his charge along with three flights to jump as The Hollow Bottom set the pace, but he came to grief when still in contention at the second-last. McCoy seized the initiative and grabbed a length and three-quarters success over Lord Gee.
"He does not get a trip yet, but he'll be a three-mile chaser in time," said O'Neill. "He jumped reasonably and will stay at this level - he's still learning and had a bit of a wind problem at one point."
McCoy and Henderson later combined for a double apiece as 4-5 favourite Tarlac ran out an extremely cosy one-length winner of the Sodexho Prestige Handicap Hurdle from the game front-runner Fait Le Jojo.
The ex-German gelding may be placed to good effect in a decent handicap this season, but Henderson said: "He has a bit to learn yet."