COULTON, renowned as a dodgy jumper, confounded his critics by making all to win the Michael Page Group Handicap Chase at Ascot last night under Jimmy McCarthy.

Oliver Sherwood's gelding, a 7 to 2 shot, looked likely to be caught by Time Won't Wait on the run-in, but held on by half a length.

Sherwood said: "I am delighted for Jimmy, who stepped into Jamie Osborne's shoes when he was injured. This horse is just not a natural jumper and lost his confidence after winning his first race of the season. Now he has come back to win his last of the term.

"He has had heart problems and falls, but we never gave up on him.

Despite saddling Newton Point to win the Primula Handicap Hurdle, trainer David Nicholson admitted he could not catch Martin Pipe in the race to be champion jumps trainer, which is decided on winning prize money.

After Newton Point (11 to 4), had hit the front under Richard Johnson four flights from home to beat Absalom's Lady and 7 to 4 favourite Clifton Set by 20 lengths and five Nicholson said: "To be fair I must say that I can not catch Martin, but I haven't given up trying. The trouble is that there are not many big prizes left at this time of the season."

Wrekengale stamped himself a possible Aintree hero of the future when taking the opener for Jenny Pitman and Warren Marston.

The son of Strong Gale led at the third from home in the John Mowlem Novices' Chase to beat Vicosa and Celtic Silver by three lengths and a short head.

Wrekengale, the 9 to 4 favourite, is now unbeaten over fences in three outings after an undistinguished campaign over hurdles. Mrs Pitman said: "He is a typical chasing type who has done nothing but improve."