Farmer Jack defied top weight to run out a comfortable winner of the Racing Post Chase. The 5-1 shot, who relished the soft ground at Kempton, carried 11 stone 12 pounds to give jockey Richard Johnson a fourth win in the race.
Johnson's mount mounted a strong challenge with three fences to go along with veteran Banker Count and Iznogoud.
But he jumped the second-last superbly to pull clear of his rivals and carried on for a six-length success.
Johnson was understandably delighted with his victory and was full of praise for the Philip Hobbs-trained nine-year-old.
"It's a good performance under top weight, especially with the ground," he said.
"He's such a tough horse and he gives it absolutely everything. We had to
take a bit of a lead today, but he's done really well and still seems to be
improving."
Earlier, Crystal d'Ainay showed a welcome return to victory with success in the Rendlesham Hurdle.
The Alan King-trained mount was running with a visor for the first time and it paid dividends in a three-and-a-half length victory.
Robert Thornton's mount went off at 5-2 and was nicely placed behind the favourite Royal Rosa turning for home.
A good jump at the second-last put him into contention and he held off the challenge of Monet's Garden to win.
Racing Post Chase (3m)
1. Farmer Jack (R Johnson) 5-1
2. Iznogoud (T Scudamore) 20-1
3. Banker Count (S Thomas) 12-1
4. Tikram (AP McCoy) 14-1
16 ran. Dist: 6, 1�
Rendlesham Hurdle (3m �f)
1. Crystal d'Ainay (R Thornton) 5-2
2. Monet's Garden (A Dobbin) 11-2
3. Royal Rosa (A P McCoy) 2-1 fav
5 ran. Dist: 3�, 6
MMIX
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