Diamond Hunter sparkles for Chris and Freddie Gordon

Chris Gordon hopes the future is bright for Diamond Hunter, having watched him cause a surprise in the Betfair-sponsored Newton Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Gordon feels his winner is an embryonic chaser in the making, yet the six-year-old had enough in his locker to get the better of the persistent Masked Man, who had attempted to make all.

With his son Freddie in the saddle, Gordon cheered home his 12-1 shot to a one-and-three-quarter-length win, with even-money favourite Sticktotheplan disappointing back in third.

“We got him over in Ireland from John Costello and as he’s a six-year-old we just thought we’d let him take his chance, if he was four or five we’d have just gone for a little novice somewhere,” said Gordon.

“As he’s six, he’s a lot harder, he’s been pointing so we just thought we’d get on with it and it worked out really well.

“I thought he’d run a blinder, but I couldn’t see him winning it, so it’s fantastic.

“It’s all about chasing next year, he should be a proper chaser next year, so this is a bonus. We’ll have to have a think about where to go next.”

He added: “Last time we came here we won the Swinton (with Our Champ) with Freddie on so it’s great doing it together.”