A music agent who represents artists including Katy Perry took time out of her schedule to join her family and see flat performer Arqoob mark a first victory over hurdles. 

The Group One-winning owner watched with parents Richard and Sue Banks after the five-year-old, trained by Lucy Wadham, claimed the Join Racing TV Now Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon on Sunday [March 5]. 

Showing a tenacious attitude under Bryony Frost the 4-9 favourite, who runs in the colours of Banks’ father’s Little Staughton Farms Ltd, beat Ace Rothstein by a neck. 

Emma Banks said: “I thought he was going to win; his jumping was a lot better as his jumping cost him the race before [at Newbury].” 

Handler Tom Lacey admitted it was “nice to see a plan come off” after Dibble Decker maintained his unbeaten record at the track when he won the John Bigg ‘Oxo’ Handicap Chase. 

The seven-year-old made it three wins from as many starts at Huntingdon. 

Lacey said: “The cheekpieces make a big difference as he is now going through his races better.”