Chris Gordon looks to have a smart novice to go to war with after Diamond Hunter caused something of a small surprise in the Grade 2 Newton Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.
The six-year-old failed to find the winners' circle in four point-to-point outings but made a seamless transition to racing under Rules when running out a facile 24-length winner on his hurdling debut at Plumpton last month.
Despite his debut winning margin, Diamond Hunter was sent off a relatively unfancied 14/1 chance as he stepped up to Grade 2 level in the hands of Chris Gordon's son Freddie.
Always towards the fore under the talented conditional, Diamond Hunter struck the head of affairs from the front-running Masked Man over the second last before staying on well to line to keep the persistent challenger at bay by a length and three quarters.
Olly Murphy's Persian War winner and even-money market leader Sticktotheplan finished third.
"John (Costello) called myself and Dan (Dennis – owner) at a weak moment in Punchestown, after we'd had about three Bloody Mary's. Luckily Dan put's his money where his mouth is and gets stuck in," said Chris Gordon on Racing TV.
"John has been a fantastic source of horses for us and Haydock is becoming quite lucky for us.
"He's a six-year-old and I wouldn't normally have done this with him, I'd normally have gone for another novice somewhere but as he's six and he's hardy, I thought let's have a little go."
Gordon suggested he was unsure where the winner would end up and that he'd bide his time before making a plan.
It didn't take long for the father and son duo to hit the back of the net on the Merseyside again as David's Well strode to victory in the following Betfair Handicap Chase.
The Gordon team's day got even better when the 17/2 chance Electric Mason claimed the three-mile £100,000 Betfair Stayers' Handicap by a neck from Hartington, giving son Freddie Gordon his final winner as a 3lb claimer.
Speaking after bringing up his treble, Chris Gordon said: "It's a real red-letter day and I'd love to thank my team at home, led by Jeremy Mahot. To come up here on a Saturday and do that – it's just such a shame Dan Skelton turned up for the other race! It's a special day.
"Electric Mason is very gutsy and very genuine. For Fredde, my son, it's very special to have him riding and that was the last winner to ride out his claim. He will probably go and eat 3lb of food tonight to make up for it!
"Freddie didn't want to know horses for a big part of his life and didn't really start until he was 13 or 14 but has taken to it really well.
"To come today with fantastic prize money, to have a treble and a second is a real red-letter day. It's a shame Jenny, Freddie's mum and my wife, is not here but she will be sitting at home and crying, I'm sure."
