Mark Bradstock hailed Coneygree’s runaway win in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day as a triumph for family teamwork.

The trainer was quick to give credit to his wife, Sara, son, Alfie, and daughter, Lily, after the strapping gelding gave a high-class field a jumping lesson to provide his Letcombe Bassett stables, near Wantage, with a first Grade 1 success.

While his leading rivals crashed out, Nico de Boinville’s mount kept up a relentless gallop to come home 40 lengths clear of Warden Hill.

Bradstock said: “It’s a real family concern and I’m lucky to have a son and a daughter that have helped a lot, as well of course as an amazing wife.

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“Let’s also not forget Chicky (Lady Oaksey), who does such a great job.”

Sara Bradstock was thrilled to see Coneygree continue the success story of the dam Plaid Maid, who they purchased to provide a breeding interest for her late father, Lord Oaksey.

She said: “What a horse, what a fairytale. We bought the mare to breed something for dad and look – Carruthers, this horse, the one who won at Ascot (Flintham), it is magic.”

Alfie Bradstock, who has represented Team GB in eventing and show jumping, did much of the schooling on Coneygree.

“He has always been a fantastic jumper,” he said. “It's just over hurdles he was a bit quick and flat and it was just getting him a bit higher for the fences, and he is getting better and better.”

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