Henrietta Knight hailed Calgary Bay as her 'next champion' after the gelding stormed up the Cheltenham hill to record his first win for her West Lockinge yard, near Wantage, writes Russell Smith.

The handsome four-year-old, runner-up on his first three starts, held off Snap Tie by a length to capture the EBF/Boylesports.com 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle under Tony McCoy.

And now Knight, who saddled the great Best Mate to a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins, is plotting a route to the Cheltenham Festival in March with Calgary Bay.

"He is our next champion I hope," she said. "He is a lovely horse.

"He has already schooled over fences at home and will now probably follow the same path as Best Mate.

"He'll have one more run and go for the Supreme Novices', although he will have an entry in the SunAlliance too."

Blue Square introduced the four-year-old into the betting for the Supreme Novices' at 20-1.

Meanwhile, Knight is looking for a big run from her current stable star, Racing Demon, in the Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

The seven-year-old finished third behind Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer in the Kempton showpiece 12 months ago, beaten nine and a quarter lengths.

Those two rivals are again set to be in opposition, but Knight believes her charge is a more relaxed individual this term, and she is hoping that will help him close the gap.

Ben Case, who trains at Edgcote, near Banbury, posted his first winner for five months when Deep Reflection scored at Leicester.

The seven-year-old sprang a 16-1 surprise under Andrew Thornton in a two and a half mile handicap hurdle.

On the Flat, Kylkenny, East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison's old favourite, added to his amazing Southwell record by posting his 16th success at the Nottinghamshire venue.

The evergreen 12-year-old stayed on gamely under Travis Block to beat Marsam by neck in a mile and a half handicap, and record his 23rd career success from 113 starts.

Morrison also enjoyed success with Realt Na Mara in a six-furlong handicap at Wolver- hampton.

On the same card, Wantage trainer Henry Candy sent out Kirk Michael to romp home by 12 lengths in a seven-furlong maiden.

It was the Kingstone Warren handler's first winner at the track for five seasons.

Hook Norton trainer Peter Hiatt saddled Maslak to break his duck at the 16th attempt with victory at Southwell.

The three-year-old was powered home by Chris Catlin, who lives at Kingston Lisle, near Wantage.

Paul Cole's Whatcombe string, near Wantage, have been in good form on the all-weather, and he added to his tally with The Twelve Steps at Southwell.

Steve Drowne brought the two-year-old home three lengths clear of Martingrange Boy in a six-furlong maiden.