CALL ME LORD gave his rivals a royal trouncing in the International Hurdle under an inspired James Bowen.
Nicky Hendersons gelding saw off the late thrust of Ballyandy (12-1) in a thriller.
Much of the talk before the race had centred around whether Simon Munir and Isaac Souedes 2-1 favourite would be as potent going left-handed – and he silenced his doubters in style.
Taking up the running inside the final furlong,the six-year-old stuck his neck out bravely to land the odds for favourite backers.
Ballyandy, returning from a 3m campaign, relished the drop in trip and finished like a train for second as Chtibello (8-1) boxed on for third.
Nicky Hendersons other runner, Triumph winner Pentland Hills (11-4), travelled like a good thing for most of the contest but early keenness paid a price and he faded for fourth.
Hes got that pace and even though we were trapped on heels rounding the home turn, hes really battled for me.
“I thought he might not have enough speed over this trip but the turn of foot he showed after the last was impressive.
I cant thank connections enough. A few months ago I was thinking what am I going to do now!
Earlier on the card, Warthog was game as gammon in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.
David Noonan sent his galloping grey straight to the front from the outset and despite getting headed in the final furlong, he fought back bravely to land the 130,000 prize.
Spiritofthegames, so often the bridesmaid for the Skelton team, couldnt quite get home in the soft ground and had to settle for second.
Robin De Foret ran a big race in third for Willie Mullins.
