LOOSE Chips dug deep to record a rousing victory for Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon at Sandown.

The ten-year-old was headed by Court By Surprise on the run-in at the end of a three-mile veterans’ handicap chase on Sunday, but battled back tenaciously under Graham Watters to prevail by half a length.

Longsdon had added to his impressive strike rate at Market Rasen earlier in the week when he sent out Vivas and Tjongejonge to post a 7-1 double.

Jordan Nailor notched his first winner on his fifth ride under National Hunt Rules when 11-10 favourites Vivas took a conditional jockeys’ and amateur riders’ handicap hurdle over an extended two and a quarter miles.

The teenager, who has graduated from the point-to-point circuit, was seen to good effect as he brought the gelding home by a length and a quarter from Next Edition.

French import Tjongejonge (11-4) made a winning debut over fences in this country in a three-mile handicap chase under Watters.

The five-year-old was left in the lead after Violets Boy unseated Andrew Tinkler three fences from home, and he quickly went clear to beat Bar De Ligne by an eased-down six lengths.