Philip Hobbs, racehorse trainer, comes in from the cold at Kempton But despite his reputation as one of the finest trainers in the country, Philip Hobbs found himself in exactly that position last week, though to be fair, he had had his share of placed runners, which was an indication they were running well. But, until yesterday, the winners had been slow in coming. Then, suddenly, in a little over 35 minutes, it all changed as Hobbs sent out a cross-country treble, the strongly-fancied Sadler's Risk and promising novice Menorah in the first two races at Kempton Park, and Roll The Dice in the "opener" at Warwick. This was akin to being whisked from the Arctic to the Caribbean in the blink of an eye. "He was happier, but he wants more practice," Hobbs was quick to point out. He needs racecourse practice, and he does appreciate better ground. We'll find another race for him somewhere," the trainer added. William Hill pushed Menorah's price out to 16-1 (from 14-1) for the Arkle Trophy, though the guaranteed fast pace in that Festival race would suit him. Sadler's Risk, who was fourth in the Chester Vase on the Flat for Mark Johnston, could make a quick reappearance for Hobbs at Cheltenham in two weeks following a most comprehensive victory in the opening William Hill Juvenile Hurdle, which impressed the sponsor so much they shortened him to 8-1 joint-favourite for the Triumph Hurdle. Hobbs also looked to have a good chance of landing the featured Lanzarote Hurdle with Featherbed Lane, who took it up at the second-last flight but then started to idle. This allowed the Nick Williams-trained Swincombe Flame, with a determined Will Kennedy in the saddle, to get back in contention and to snatch the race right on the line, by a nose. The inexperience of James Best, the promising 7lb-claiming conditional jockey, showed under pressure as he fumbled with the reins when trying to change his whip hand. Kennedy, on the other hand, showed a proficiency in riding out that proved the difference between winning and losing. However, the stewards later ruled that Kennedy had hit his mount 10 times, with the last hit landing in the wrong place, which led to a seven-day ban, plus forfeiture of his winning percentage, which came to over £2,000. "It's black and white and probably nothing to appeal against, but I'll get somebody to have a look at it," Kennedy said.