Smith’s charge grabs chance

De Vous A Moi returned from an absence of 115 days to make it four wins from his last six starts in the Clara’s Gallop Handicap Chase at Newcastle.

Sue Smith’s charge looked booked for second place for most of the race as Keith Reveley’s Special Catch held a handy lead until suddenly emptying at the third-last fence.

Danny Cook took advantage and sent De Vous A Moi on and the 11-8 favourite went on to score by five lengths. Special Catch held Edmund for the runner-up spot.

Smith told At The Races: “He was second at Ayr, then he won at Wetherby, then he had a break and has come back here today.

“I’d like to see him on a little better ground and possibly up to three miles.”