Emerald Chieftain gave Rebecca Menzies her 100th career victory as a trainer with an all-the-way success at Sedgefield.

The trainer, based close to the track and who has a mixed team of jumpers and Flat horses, is in her sixth year with a licence - and her landmark victory was rarely in doubt.

Henry Brooke dictated affairs from the outset, and the Craig Buckingham-owned Emerald Chieftain (4-1) proved to be a willing partner.

The top weight kept up the gallop to land the Read Donald McCain Exclusively At Racebets Novices' Handicap Hurdle by seven lengths from Bertie Blake.

"I'm absolutely delighted, and Henry has given him a great ride," Menzies told Sky Sports Racing. "It's great to get the 100 up."

She was thrilled as well to see nine-year-old Emerald Chieftain belatedly start to fulfil his promise.

"We've been scratching our head with him, because he ran really well in a novice hurdle when second first time out for us," Menzies added.

"We know he's got plenty of ability, but he's been a frustrating horse for me.

"I thought over fences we'd find improvement. Things haven't been clicking, but he's done nothing wrong today.

"He's in the Doncaster Sales on Wednesday. I hope we may get to keep him - but someone will get a nice horse anyway."