MARTIN Chapman's dream of owning a Cheltenham winner came true on Friday.

The Colehill man was elated after seeing his colours carried to victory by Ms Parfois at the home of National Hunt racing.

After watching his six-year-old take the mares' handicap chase over 2m5f, he said: “It's the greatest day of my racing life. I can't believe it, it hasn't sunk in yet."

Noel Fehily was always travelling comfortably on the daughter of 2007 Queen's Vase hero Mahler, who jumped soundly and took the lead approaching the last fence before holding off the renewed challenge of Theatre Territory on the run-in by a length.

The mare is trained in Mosterton by Anthony Honeyball and although this was her first success as a chaser in two attempts over fences, she had already shown ability over hurdles, winning twice and gaining listed status for her future as a broodmare.

Ms Parfois – purchased by Honeyball for £50,000 last year after taking her only Irish point-to-point – was the second Dorset-trained winner of the day following Smaoineamh Alainn, who landed the 2m1f handicap hurdle helped by a fine ride from James Best for Rob Walford who trains at Okeford Fitzpaine.

The five-year-old mare was following up her impressive Wincanton victory in October and was giving in-form Walford his third triumph of the week.

Walford enjoyed the quick-fire double of handicap hurdler Our Merlin at Fontwell Park on Monday and at Taunton on Thursday under Harry Cobden for owner-breeder Alvin Trowbridge.