Racing: Ebony Light caused a massive shock in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park when claiming the scalp of totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Kingscliff.
The Ginger McCain-trained winner, a 33-1 chance and running from 22lb out of the handicap, took the lead four fences from home and after kicking on round the final bend, stayed on for a nine-length success.
Kingscliff dropped out the back at one stage after making several slight mistakes, but battled on and was left in second place when Lord Transcend, the 8-11 favourite, pulled up before the final fence.
Robert Walford, who rode Kingscliff, said: "He hated the ground down the back straight - it was like glue. He made me work very hard but when we turned back into the straight he has run on again.
"When we won the Betfair Chase the ground was nowhere near as bad as that, there was frost on top and we weren't going in."
A delighted McCain said: "He used to be a hairy jumper but he has somehow got it together this season, I don't know why. My son Donald has been riding him at home and Steven (Craine) gets on well with him."
And the veteran handler is in no doubt as to the big target for his 10-year-old.
"He will go for the Grand National now, along with my old horse Amberleigh House, and I go there with two very good shots to give me a great finale to my career," he added.
Earlier, Irish raider Al Elie got the better of a thrilling finish with Mister McGoldrick to claim the Commhoist Logistics Champion Hurdle Trial.
Mister McGoldrick took up the running down the back straight and kicked on turning for home under Padge Whelan.
However, a mistake at the final flight allowed the Murphy-ridden Al Eile to get back into the race and only a neck separated the pair at the line.
Faasel, sent off the 2-1 favourite, finished five lengths back in third, but Arcalis, trained like Percussionist by Howard Johnson, was pulled up by Graham Lee.
Al Eile's trainer John Queally said: "The plan is still to go to the totesport Trophy, even with top weight, and that should have put him spot on for it. He won't be ridden as close to the pace there and the stronger pace will suit him much better. Flat tracks like Haydock, Aintree and Newbury suit him - he is 7lb better on flat tracks.
"He is in both the Champion Hurdle and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle (at Cheltenham), but we will see how Newbury goes before making a decision."
Cashmans cut Al Elie into 6-1 for the totesport Trophy on February 11th, with VC Bet the same price from 16-1.
Graham Wylie, owner of Arcalis, said: "The horse is fine. Graham pulled him up as he lost his action, but he is OK now."