Loch Ba struck on his first outing for West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon with a runaway success at Kempton yesterday.

Formerly with Henrietta Knight at West Lockinge, near Wantage, until her retirement in the summer, the six-year-old cruised home by 19 lengths in a three-mile handicap chase under Dominic Elsworth.

Channon said: “We’ve liked this lad since he arrived. He’s done a few pieces of work that have really stood out of late, and his recovery rates have been good.”

Meanwhile, Knight reported that Somersby was missing his intended debut for Channon in the sportingbet Haldon Gold Cup Chase at Exeter today after picking up a splint – a minor leg condition.

The classy eight-year-old is now set to head for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 8.

PENDRA made an impressive debut over timber for Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon at Plumpton.

The four-year-old stormed home by five lengths from Mister Newby under Noel Fehily in a two-mile maiden hurdle.