Kim rolls back the years with fantastic Flow

FIRST FLOW produced a spectacular jumping performance to win the Clarence House Chase at Ascot and leap into the picture for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The David Bass-ridden 14-1 shot beat reigning Champion Chaser Politologue seven lengths to give trainer Kim Bailey his first Grade One success since Master Oats won the 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Last year’s Clarence House Chase winner Defi Du Seuil was back in fifth as nothing could live with a trademark attacking ride from Bass.

It was a sixth successive win for First Flow who, ironically, is not the best jumper at Bailey’s Gloucestershire stable.

‘I am a little surprised,’ said Bass. ‘I knew he had improved and was on a winning streak but he has really stepped up again. He made up so much ground jumping.

‘I got a fall off him last year schooling. He has frightened the life out of me and is very average at home but on the racecourse he is brilliant.’

Bailey added: ‘David has unbelievable faith in him. He just keeps firing him and he keeps answering him.’

Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson refused to be downcast as dual Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air was beaten by Navajo Pass in The New One Unibet Hurdle at Haydock.

It was a first run in 420 days for Buveur D’Air following the freak incident when a wood splinter pierced his off-foreleg just above the hoof in the 2019 Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

The trainer said: ‘Of course it’s disappointing but Nico De Boinville felt as if he was going to get there comfortably but then when he has got to the last he has had a big blow.

‘He jumped every hurdle like he always used to. I expect him to come on hugely for the run.’

Trainer Donald McCain warned against underestimating Navajo Pass, who is likely to be aimed at the Grade One Aintree

Hurdle in April.