Sussex pair in the honours at Ascot - but Altior is the star

Leighton Aspell and Nick Gifford began Ascot's latest jump-racing meeting in style.
Altior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm WellsAltior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm Wells
Altior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm Wells

The Pulborough jockey and Findon trainer teamed up to land the opener, the Rosling King Juvenile Hurdle, with 8/1 chance Belargus.

It was a great afternoon's action and also featured doubles for trainers Nigel Twiston-Davies and Nicky Henderson.

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Twiston-Davies scored with Blue Flight, an 11/2 winner of the Matchbook Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase, and Ballymoy (4/1) in the Matchbook Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3), while Henderson struck first with Altior - one of the current big stars of the sport and a 1/10 winner of the Grade 1 Matchbook Clarence House Chase.

Altior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm WellsAltior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm Wells
Altior romps to victory / Picture by Malcolm Wells

He completed his double in the Matchbook British EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle with 4/5 favourite Downtown Getaway. Both Henderson's winners were ridden by Nico de Boinville and Altior's romp was the highlight of the afternoon for most present.

See the best of the action in Malcolm Wells' gallery of pictures above