TOM BRODIE eased the suffering for trainer Howard Johnson at Newcastle yesterday alter a bad injury prevented Kibby Bank landing a gamble.

The County Durham trainer was down in the dumps when Kibby Bank, backed down to 4 to 1 from 10s, came back badly lame on his off fore after finishing second in the Kenton Novices' Chase.

But 30 minutes later Johnson experienced contrasting emotions when Tom Brodie underlined his promise.

Kibby Bank, had looked capable of picking off the leader Malawi before the home turn but was soon making no further progress and at the finish was four lengths in arrears.

Malawi stamped himself a useful stayer in the making and a long range target for him is next year's Eider Chase back at Newcastle.

Tom Brodie quickly put Johnson in better heart with a convincing display in the Northern Electric Challenge Series Novices' Hurdle. He was eased down on the run in by Paul Carberry and was value for a few lengths more than the official neck verdict over Balhernoch.

Carberry completed a double when Five To Seven found a dramatic late burst to emerge a surprise winner of the Fenham Novices' Chase.

Moot rave appeared to have the race in safekeeping as he approached the last fence with a healthy advantage. But after a slow jump Tony Dobbin's mount was caught on the run in and beaten two lengths.