Four years after a quickly aborted foray into chasing, successful hurdling stalwart Thomas Darby finally proved he has what it takes over bigger obstacles when he landed the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Ayr on Wednesday.

Olly Murphy was “over the moon” to see his high-class hurdler and stable stalwart Thomas Darby open his account over fences after a thrilling battle with Gold Cup Bailly in the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Ayr.

Connections have high hopes for Champ as he gets his season underway in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Friday.

Thomas Darby is on course to defend his Coral Long Distance Hurdle crown at Newbury on November 25 after finishing second on his reappearance in the West Yorkshire Hurdle.

Proschema was delivered with a perfectly-timed run to go one place better than last year in the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby.