Ben Godfrey's horse Forward Plan challenges late and fast to win Coral Trophy

24 February 2024 , 17:59

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Ben Godfrey pictured with the big race trophy (Image: PA)

Ben Godfrey was cheering his best-ever result as Forward Plan stormed home to scoop the Coral Trophy at Kempton.

Only fifth with one to jump, Anthony Honeyball's chaser flew the obstacle and found a burst of speed to collar gallant grey Al Dancer.

The veteran hit just 1-3 in-running as he closed in on the £85,425 first prize up the short run-in. But 15-2 chance Forward Plan served up a thrilling conclusion to reward Honeyball's three-horse challenge.

"It's the biggest win of my career and you need horses like this to put you in these races on a Saturday," said conditional rider Godfrey, who claimed 3lb in the feature handicap. "He has toughed it out and deserves this."

In a hotly-contested renewal, 11 of the 12 runners still had a chance of winning on the Surrey track's final turn. However, the challengers thinned out as 11-year-old chaser Al Dancer pressed home his advantage.

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His lead was still two lengths when Forward Plan jumped past fallen stablemate and 4-1 joint favourite Blackjack Magic at the final fence. Honeyball, whose winner is owned by 12-member syndicate The Steeple Chasers, said: "When he switched and winged the last it was brilliant, a great performance.”

The other well-supported market leader Bowtogreatness looked dangerous but had to settle for third in Harry Redknapp's colours. Fellow football legend Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed better luck at Riyadh with homebred stayer Spirit Dancer.

Forward Plan (blue/white colours) finished strongly between rivals to win the Coral Trophy at Kempton Park (Getty Images)

Richard Fahey's trainee swept down the outside to win £944,881 in the Howden Neom Turf Cup. Flanked by co-owners Ged Mason and Peter Done, Ferguson said: "A friend of mine encouraged me to have a stud and this is one of the results you see today. It's fantastic."

Anglers Crag (11-2) fought back from a bad mistake to continue his remarkable resurgence in Newcastle's Betting. Bet Eider Chase. The nine-year-old has improved by at least 20lb under Brian Ellison's guidance – and he landed his fourth straight victory by a neck.

"I thought it was over when he made that mistake," Ellison admitted.

I Am Maximus joined Vanillier at the 2024 Grand National market's summit after they filled the first two positions in Fairyhouse's tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase.

Melissa Jones