Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon admitted even he was surprised by Grandads Horse’s recent winning run after the gelding’s heart-stopping victory at Doncaster.

The eight-year-old, who had previously shown all his best form on good ground in the summer, has struck form with a vengeance on an easy surface in the depths of winter.

Grandads Horse followed up his Ascot victory by holding on to take the bet365.com Handicap Chase on Saturday by a head from Night In Milan under Daryl Jacob.

Longsdon said: “For a summer horse who is not supposed to like the soft ground it seems slightly strange that he has suddenly run his best two races on soft going.”

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