Unique duo of Lee and Blanc continue rewriting history

Russe Blanc, who is the only horse officially described as white, followed his stablemate’s example as he outbattled Midnight Prayer in the three-mile-five-furlong event.

Favourite Sego Success crashed out at the second fence while previous winner Rigadin De Beauchene was another notable casualty in very testing conditions, but they brought the best out of Russe Blanc.

Jockey Charlie Poste had a few hairy moments as his saddle slipped at one point during the race, but he got back on an even keel and his mount sealed victory at the final fence to score by three and three-quarter lengths.

“I think we will have to see what happens when he is reassessed by the handicapper on Tuesday, but I’d say we’re going to stick to this step up in trip and three and a half miles will be his minimum,” said Lee, who took over the reins at the family stable at Presteigne from her father Richard in July.

“We tried not to come here expectant, just hopeful, and this horse has really enjoyed jumping.”

Danny Mullins netted a double on Black Hercules and Thomas Hobson from his only two rides on his first visit to Warwick.

Both are trained by his uncle, Willie Mullins, and both staked strong claims to be in the County Carlow handler’s team for the Cheltenham Festival.

Thomas Hobson led home a one-two for Mullins as he defeated David O’Meara’s former Flat handicapper Open Eagle in the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

Black Hercules put up a sound jumping display to land the Listed Betfred Mobile Hampton Novices’ Chase from Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red – the runner-up ran with credit for the Malton trainer.

Flintham, a half-brother to Gold Cup hero Coneygree and full-brother to Hennessy winner Carruthers, could be Cheltenham bound for the Pertemps Final after defying 11st 12lb in a qualifier.

The seven-year-old pulled out plenty for Nico De Boinville to edge out Pobbles Bay by three-quarters of a length.

“It’s just an extraordinary family. They are very tough, love jumping and give you everything,” said trainer Mark Bradstock.

Settrington trainer John Quinn’s Thisonetime took the finale by six lengths under Malton-born Andrew Tinkler despite drifting to the far side of the track.

Young rider Jonathan Moore had his 7lb claim reduced to 5lb when landing a big-race success on Empire Of Dirt in the Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase at the Dublin venue.

One of three Gigginstown House Stud horses in an 11-runner line-up, Empire Of Dirt (8-1) came through to lead after the second-last after old warrior Seabass had made the running.