Trained by Malcolm Jefferson and ridden by Denis O’Regan, the 14-1 shot Cape Tribulation finished ahead of Catch Me in the three mile handicap hurdle. Cantlow finished third with Houblon Des Obeaux fourth.
Winning owner Mr Abell, who has been a Tigers supporter for more than 30 years, said: “It’s amazing for a small trainer to have a winner here, usually the big trainers clean up. He won a Grade Two by 20 lengths, but it's been downhill ever since! We put him back over hurdles and it seems to have worked. Malcolm always said he was really good.”
A non-executive director of Tigers, Mr Abell is executive chairman of Jourdan plc. He was previously chairman and chief executive of Suter plc and a director of British Leyland Ltd.
Jefferson said: “He is quite a talented horse and he's given Denis a brilliant ride. It's been a long time since my last winner here.”
O'Regan added: “It's great to have a winner here - I haven't had one for a long time.He's a great little horse and Malcolm Jefferson has done a great job.”