Keeper Hill denies Messire Des Obeaux in Sidney Banks thriller

Keeper Hill edged out Messire Des Obeaux in a thrilling finish to the 188Bet Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.The 8lb penalty Messire Des Obeaux had to carry for winning the Grade One Challow Hurdle proved the difference as the Warren Greatrex-trained Keeper Hill (9-2) gained a narrow verdict under Gavin Sheehan.Keeper Hill was always prominent as Benatar made most of the running, while Daryl Jacob kept 10-11 favourite Messire Des Obeaux towards the rear in what was a tightly-packed field of six.Messire Des Obeaux took a narrow lead two out but could not shake off Keeper Hill, who responded gamely to pressure to take the Listed spoils by a neck.