AS usual, the useful chaser Horus stood out in the parade ring. The nine-year-old is a horse you could back on appearance without ever looking at the formbook. Problem is that his form hasn't matched his looks - until yesterday. Pulled up in his two most recent races, and unseating his rider in another pair, didn't inspire the greatest of confidence in the gelding. But with the Martin Pipe stable in such irresistible form - seven winners at Cheltenham's 'Open' meeting - Horus was backed down to 4-1 for the Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase at Haydock. And he delivered in fine style under Jamie Moore in a seven runner race sadly low on overall quality for its Grade 2 status and £35,700 first prize. Horus, who carried a featherweight 10st 4lbs, stayed on well to score by six lengths from the useful Chives, who got back up in the final strides to pip 5/4 favourite Keen Leader for third. Chives had not been seen out since last year's Welsh National when he was pulled up, and has since been switched from Henrietta Knight to Sue Smith's yard. The change has certainly made a difference and, racing off a reasonable handicap mark, a return to his efforts of two seasons ago should ensure future success, providing he can avoid the burst blood vessels that have hampered his progress. As to the winner, David Pipe, representing his father at Hay-dock, said: "He goes well when fresh and we have had this race in mind for him for a long time. "He's been in very good form at home and it's probably a long time since he carried 10st 4lb. We thought if there was ever going to be a time when he was going to win a race like this, it was today. "He seems to run well on flat tracks and the three miles was spot on for him. | 
