Jockey Micheal Nolan celebrated his first treble since 2013 as Golden Sovereign made light work of testing conditions in the Betway Handicap Chase (For The Harry Dufosee Memorial Cup) at Wincanton.

The rider completed a red letter day at the Somerset track with victory aboard the seven-year-old, who he believes might even make into a Randox Grand National horse in time.

After finishing last season with back-to-back victories over hurdles, the Gold Well gelding opened his account over fences at the third time of asking with a tenacious two-length victory over 5/4 favourite Shantou Flyer in the 3m 1f contest.

The victory was also a third success on the card for trainer Philip Hobbs and Nolan, 31, said:

"I had a treble at Ffos Las in 2013 which was a while ago. Its great to get a day like this.

"My job most of the time is with Philip Hobbs, my boss, and I slot in behind Richard Johnson and Tom OBrien. Today they are away at Ascot and it gives me the opportunity here and this is what can happen.

"A massive thanks to my boss Philip Hobbs and the lads at home who get them ready. I work hard and try hard and today is my day.

On the 7-2 winner he added:

"He is a very consistent horse and he stays really well and jumps well. He had the lighter weight on his back today and wasnt afraid to take it up when I did. He jumps for fun and tries really hard.

"He is a pleasure to ride and Im glad I got to have my turn on him. "He is a Welsh National type and if he went up enough in the handicap at some stage you could always think about the Aintree fences as he jumps very well.

The Hobbs/Nolan double came in at just over 469/1, following the successes of Longshanks (10-1) and Pol Crocan (17-2) earlier in the afternoon.