Banbridge steals Captain Guinness in daytime robbery as opening day race delivers excitement.

It’s disappointing that Captain Guinness did not get the credit he deserves for winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase last month. Criticism overshadowed his performance, with constant focus on who wasn’t there and who didn’t finish.

As a result, he went off at 6-1 for the William Hill Champion Chase, and nearly proved everyone wrong with a close finish. His jumping was superb, a pleasure to watch on replay.

It seemed as though Rachael Blackmore was seamlessly guiding him over each fence. This lack of recognition for his skill is regrettable.