Cumbrian Challenge delivered a savage blow to followers of the formbook when springing a major surprise in the Castleford Chase at Wetherby yesterday.

The nine-year-old is something of a course specialist but his performances this season gave little cause for optimism for his chances in the £30,000-added limited handicap.

Only two days ago over the same track Cumbrian Challenge had been beaten more than 30 lengths. But in a thrilling contest the 16 to 1 shot proceeded to outpoint four of the better two-mile chasers in training.

Direct Route, pulling double for much of the journey under Tony Dobbin, took it up from Lord Dorcet at the second last. But he had no answer as Cumbrian Challenge, wearing a tongue strap, swept by on the run-in to secure the spoils.

Cumbrian Challenge has now won nine times at Wetherby, the wins coming over two miles and two and a half miles. The stewards held an inquiry into Cumbrian Challenge's improved form and noted the trainer's explanations.

Howard Johnson, the trainer of Direct Route, was critical of the ride his horse was given by Tony Dobbin. "I told him to sit until after the last and what does he do - he goes to the front at the second last," he said.

Wyer was joining his weighing room colleague Dobbin in not enjoying the best of days. Yorkshire-based Wyer had travelled down to Kempton to partner the disappointing Dato Star when he could have stayed close to home to partner Cumbrian Challenge.

Wyer would also have been on board the Easterby-trained Simply Gifted who bolted up by 15 lengths in the Bradford Juvenile Novice Hurdle and may have earned a run in the Triumph Hurdle.

Another Cheltenham-bound horse is The Butterwick Kid, who was a convincing winner of the Long Marston Handicap Hurdle. He pulled away from the final flight in impressive fashion to defeat For Cathal by 10 lengths. His target is the Stakis Casinos Final and he will tackle a qualifier at Haydock next.