Heltornic battles for Haydock win

Heltornic landed the win in Haydock's big race of the day

The 12-1 chance Heltornic held on in the latter stages to win the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase at Haydock.

Ridden by Tom Scudamore for his grandfather Michael, Heltornic took command halfway down the back straight on the final circuit.

L'Aventure, ridden by Paddy Merrigan, came from well down the field to mount a strong challenge late on.

But Heltornic dug deep on the run-in to the line to claim victory by a length and a quarter.

Mon Mome ran his usual consistent race but had to settle for third, while Wild Cane Ridge plugged away to grab fourth.

Meanwhile at Ascot, Cheltenham hope Monet's Garden returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory in the Commercial First Ascot Chase.

The Nicky Richards-trained grey finished well down the field in his last run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

But he showed a welcome return to form with Tony Dobbin keeping him well placed early on as Central House and Fota Island challenged for the lead.

Monet's Garden put pressure on the leaders from five out and when they turned for home with two fences to go, Dobbin took his mount into the lead.

The others were unable to respond and Monet's Garden triumphed by eight lengths from Thisthatandtother.

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Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase (Haydock)
1. Heltornic (T Scudamore) 12-1
2. L'aventure (P Merrigan) 14-1
3. Mon Mome (Mr W Biddick) 12-1
4. Wild Cane Ridge (K Mercer) 25-116 ran

Commercial First Ascot Chase (Ascot)
1. Monet's Garden (A Dobbin) 11-10 Fav
2. Thisthatandtother (R Walsh) 4-1
3. River City (T Doyle) 20-17 ran