GIDAM GIDAM has a National date at Market Rasen on Boxing Day after his victory at Catterick.

John Mackie’s decision to head for the North Yorkshire venue rather than go to Bangor today paid off as his sixyear- old drew away to score by 11 lengths in the Blue Square Handicap Chase.

The 3-1 favourite looks blessed with plenty of stamina and was produced by promising conditional Campbell Gillies to head Stoneriggs Merc at the last fence.

Mackie said: ‘‘We came here because I thought that the three miles and six furlongs in heavy ground at Bangor might be just too much for him and it has worked out well here.

‘‘This is the first handicap chase he has won.

‘‘He had been given a chance by the handicapper and the plan now is to aim him at the Lincolnshire National – that would be a nice race to win.’’ Ray Green saw his colours carried to victory for the third time in four days when Festival King supplemented a recent chase success in the Blue Square SP Guarantee Handicap Hurdle.

The 5-2 chance was given a fine tactical ride by Green’s son-in-law Timmy Murphy to account for Cave Hill by six lengths.

There was a dramatic start to the seven-race programme when Lawgiver was awarded the Blue Square Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle in the stewards’ room.

It’s Bertie took up the running under Andrew Kinirons going out on the final circuit, and was still at the head of affairs approaching the final flight.

But just as it looked as if Lawgiver was getting on top, he was carried across the course by his nearest rival.

The pair flashed across the line almost inseparable to the naked eye, but the photo revealed It’s Bertie had held on for victory.

But after a short inquiry, Lawgiver, trained by Marjorie Fife and ridden by Kyle James, received the verdict at odds of 14-1.

Kinirons was suspended for careless riding on three days to be notified.

Donal Devereux, who rode thirdplaced Exclusionist, was suspended for four days (to be notified) for a similar offence.