NIGHTLINE followed in the hoofprints of his sister Nightfly, who gave Charlie Longsdon his first winner of the new jumps season 11 days earlier, with an emphatic victory for the Chipping Norton trainer at Bangor-on-Dee.

The eight-year-old past the post 14 lengths ahead of Our Reward for his first success over fences.

Meanwhile, David Maxwell’s enterprising attempt to boost his bid to become champion amateur rider by taking mounts at Newton Abbot and Perth on the same day met with disappointment.

The Charlbury-based rider finished third on Vivaldi Collonges in the 4.45 at Britain’s most southerly racecourse, before flying to the UK’s most northerly track – a marathon 510-mile journey – for the 9.05 where Mendip Express was beaten into fifth place.

Maxwell trails leader Lorcan Williams by four, with the title decided on June 8.