SMART GUY, trained at Sutton Valence, near Maidstone, by Linda Jewell, gained his first win in a two-and-a-half mile novice handicap chase at Fontwell. The nine-year-old chestnut, who has a reputation for being temperamental, was given a superb ride by Tom Scudamore and won impressively by six lengths.

He is looked after by Jewell's daughter Karen and also won the £25 prize for being the best turned out horse in the race.

It was young Scudamore' first win since losing his claim as a conditional jockey. He is the son of former National Hunt champion Peter and clearly has a big future in the sport.

Smart Guy, owned by Phillipa Donkin, of Hurst Green, Sussex, was bred at Langley, near Maidstone by Dimpy Betts. He is out of the mare Talahache Bridge, a prolific point-to-point winner when ridden by Tom Betts.

Smart Guy is a great favourite at Fontwell and has been placed several times. He will probably run again at the Sussex track in the New Year.

The victory was some consolation to Jewell for the loss of her chaser Foxy Dawn at Folkestone the previous day. The 10-year-old, owned by Tom Greengrow, of Headcorn, was injured after being brought down at the first fence and had to be destroyed.