CHIPPING Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon was thrilled to see Pete The Feat defy his advancing years by opening his account for the season with a 25-1 shock success at Sandown.

The evergreen gelding, who turns 14 next month, was the rank outsider of the 11 runners for a three-mile amateur riders’ handicap chase.

But he belied his odds by galloping and jumping with great enthusiasm before digging deep on the run-in to hold off Hedgeinator by two-and-three-quarter lengths under Damien Skehan for an 11th career success.

Pete The Feat was showing the benefit of his seasonal reappearance over the same course and distance last month, and is now set to return to the Esher track to defend his crown in the 32Red Veterans’ Final on January 6.

Longsdon said: “What an old dude. The plan has been the veterans’ final here next month and this was a stepping stone to there.

“The big difference is that he settled. Dicky Johnson was annoyed with him last time and he said not many 13-year-olds run off with him.

“He travelled so well and things went his way.

“They went a nice gallop and he was in the perfect position the whole way round.”

It was Longsdon’s second long-priced winner of the week after Nightfly had ended the trainer’s frustrating 26-day run without success by making a triumphant debut over fences at Southwell.

Sent off the 20-1 outsider in a field of seven for a novices’ handicap chase over an extended mile and seven furlongs, the six-year-old mare was sent into the lead by Jonathan Burke two fences from home and a good leap at the last sealed a three-and-a-half-length victory over Bad Boy Du Pouldu.

Delighted to see the back of his barren spell, Longsdon said: “It really makes you appreciate the winner and the atmosphere in the yard has changed completely – everyone is happy and relieved.”

“Nightfly had always promised more at home than what she showed on the racecourse, so it was great for the penny to drop and get a win out of her.

“Johnny gave her a great ride, increasing her confidence with every stride and there are more races to be won with her.”