CLEVER Cookie powered to victory in the Scottish County Hurdle on Festival Trials Day at Musselburgh.

Peter Niven’s charge, a 5-1 shot, was held up early on by Wilson Renwick but came with a potent late run to see off Local Hero (7-1) by eight lengths.

Pas Trop Tard (28-1) stayed on well to claim third with Lyvius (13-2) back in fourth.

Niven said: “He likes this track. After his runs in novice hurdles the handicapper gave him a handy mark, so we decided to go that route.

“This is a nice race to win and my mother bred him, so that’s an added bonus.

“We’ll put him in the Imperial Cup and the County Hurdle, but I don’t think he’ll run in both. I’ve always thought the world of him and hopefully there’s much more to come.”

Earlier, Broughton (5-6 Fav) ran out an emphatic winner of the Listed John Smith’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial.

John Ferguson’s novice always travelled well for Denis O’Regan and stormed clear to trounce Clarcam (7-1) by five lengths.

Bookmakers William Hill were impressed with the four-year-old, cutting him to 14-1 from 20’s for the Triumph Hurdle itself.

? Arvika Ligeonniere (2-7Fav) gained his fifth career success at Punchestown in the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase.

Willie Mullins’ gelding was sent into the lead three out by Ruby Walsh and pulled 14 lengths clear of Toner D’Oudairies (6-1) to score in tremendous style.

Walsh and Mullins were also in luck earlier on the card as Wicklow Brave (6-4) entered the Festival picture by landing the Listed EBF Novice Hurdle.

The five-year-old defied a poor jump at the final flight to beat Lieutenant Colonel (5-4 Fav) in good style and is now a general 12-1 shot for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on March 11.

? Talented novice Ely Brown could head for the Scottish Grand National following his victory in Saturday’s Grade 2 towton Chase at Wetherby. Charlie Longsdon’s gelding will be entered for the
4m 1f event at Ayr on April 12 and may also run in the National Hunt Chase at the Festival.

? CONVERSATIONAL (4.00) could be something of a ‘talking horse’ at Kempton today.

The ex-Irish filly has thrived since joining Mick Channon and can complete a quick hat-trick in the mile handicap.

Venetia Williams has her string in terrific form and should enjoy another winner with TROZULON (1.15) at Southwell.