Jockey Brian O’Connell lost his claim this evening when winning the Hackett’s Bookmakers Handicap Chase aboard Hairy Molly

Philip Fenton’s charge travelled well to take up the lead after three out and the pair kept on well to hold off the fast finishing Sarteano by half a length.

Hairy Molly who won the Cheltenham Bumper in 2006 recorded his first win in over two years.

Winning trainer Fenton said afterwards: “We contemplated retiring him but the perseverance has paid off.”

“He jumped well overall today as previously he tended to make mistakes at the wrong time. We’re just happy that he won, we’ve no immediate plans for him.”