Yet despite his good fortune, trainer Henderson was bitter about the end of National Hunt fixtures at the Thames-side track.

After Grecian Dart, the 4-7 favourite, had led two flights from home in the first part of the aptly-titled Farewell Novices' Hurdle, Henderson said: "It is an absolute tragedy.

"I know the track has a bonanza with their summer evening Flat meetings and that is where the money is, but it is such a good jumping course - good for London, good for owners and everyone in the National Hunt game.

"It has never been short of runners over the obstacles. Figures show it has the second highest average of runners per race in the country and the class of racing was not rubbish.

"Unfortunately economics tend to rule the day. But they have got to look to the future. With jump courses like Lingfield and Nottingham also closing, what chance is there for tracks like Plumpton and Fontwell?"