Crack Away Jack impressed as a juvenile last season

Crack Away Jack proved himself a genuine Champion Hurdle contender as he defied top weight on his seasonal return to beat Squadron at Chepstow.

The 7-2 chance, trained by Emma Lavelle, was giving 19lb away in weight to Alan King's smart runner-up.

A winner of the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Crack Away Jack looks on course for a Festival return in 2009.

Under Jack Doyle, he beat 3-1 favourite Squadron, with Super Formen in third.

Race sponsors William Hill cut Crack Away Jack to 8-1 from 12s for the Champion Hurdle.

At Ascot, Night Crescendo (20-1) claimed the big race under a brilliant waiting ride from Jim Crowley.

The Amanda Perrett-trained gelding took the 1m 4f handicap from Pevensey (12-1).

Realtime [email protected] Hurdle 2m�f, Chepstow

1 Crack Away Jack (J Doyle) E Lavelle 7-2
2 Squadron (R Thornton) 3-1f
3 Super Formen (H Skelton) 12-1
12 ran. Dist: 1�, 3�