CHIPPING Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon believes there is no reason Pete The Feat cannot return to Sandown in 2019 in a bid to regain his crown in the 32Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase Final after his evergreen star finished a brave second to Buywise.

The oldest horse in Saturday’s £100,000 contest after just turning 14, Pete The Feat looked as if he would repeat last year’s success when he led over the second-last fence under Jonathan Burke.

But fellow 12-1 shot Buywise swooped late in the hands of Leighton Aspell to win by two lengths for trainer Evan Williams.

Longsdon said of his gallant veteran: “He ran a stormer. I thought turning in jumping the second last he might have it, but then you knew going to the last the other horse was coming through.

“He got in close and the other horse winged it and landed running. The best horse won on the day, but Pete has run so well.

“I am so proud of the old boy. He is 14 and there is no reason why he can’t come again next year. Everyone loves Pete.”

It capped a frustrating day for Longsdon after Masterplan finished a neck second to Chef D’Equipe also at Sandown, while Just Don’t Ask was foiled by 33-1 chance Diablo De Rouhet at Chepstow.