It proved to be a rewarding start to the new National Hunt season for local trainers Susan Corbett, Wilf Storey and Simon Waugh who all saddled winners at Hexham Races last Saturday.
Wotyoudunnow Buddy (Nathan Moscrop) initiated a double for Corbett's Otterburn yard in the 2m Download The At The Races App Selling Hurdle Race. After taking it up at the last from odds-on favourite Baron De Middleton (Henry Brooke), Moscrop's mount repelled a late challenge from Dapper Gent (Danny McMenamin) on the run-in to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths. There was no bid for the winner at the subsequent auction.
Atomic Angel (Edward Austin) doubled up for the yard in the concluding 2m7f Langley Castle An Outstanding Small Hotel Handicap Hurdle Race. Always prominent, the nine-year-old mare led after the sixth and found plenty when the chips were down to score by half-a-length from Better Be Definite (Bruce Lynn). A special mention for jockey Harry Reed who was out of luck on Shantou Moon but earlier in the day had opened the batting for Newbrough and scored 29 not out in their win against Stocksfield 4th XI.
The White Volcano (Ross Chapman) was a popular winner of the 2m4f At The Races App Expert Tips Handicap Chase for 85-year-old Muggleswick trainer Wilf Storey. Given a patient ride, the 12-year-old picked off his rivals one-by-one on the final circuit before forging clear off the home turn to score impressively by nine-and-a-half lengths from Halfway House Lad (Danny McMenamin). His biggest success as a jumps trainer came at the 1996 Cheltenham Festival when Great Easeby landed the Gold Card Hurdle.
Molesden near Morpeth trainer Simon Waugh was celebrating after Coolmoyne (Callum Bewley) finally secured a first win on his 21st career start in the 3m Download The N-E Bet App today Handicap Chase. Always lying handy, the eight-year-old went on four out and, despite having his lead reduced in the closing stages, was always doing enough to beat favourite Cowboy Copper (Craig Nichol) by one-and-a-half lengths.
Dan Skelton's Alcester raider Playful Saint (Fergus Gillard) made a successful debut over fences in an eventful 2m4f Follow Hexham Racecourse On Twitter @hexhamraces Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. After blundering badly two out and almost parting company with Gillard, the nine-year-old rallied up the hill to regain the initiative and kept on well to keep Choosethenews (Jamie Hamilton) by two lengths.
Gillard said: ''That certainly makes the near 10-hour round trip worthwhile.''
Cheltenham raider Wilful (Jonjo O'Neill Jr) justified odds-on favouritism with ease in the first division of the 2m Bobby Roberts Memorial Novices' Hurdle Race. Always prominent, he forged clear on the run-in and had ten lengths to spare over Conquer The Breeze (Danny McMenamin) at the line. Carrying the colours of Hexham farmer David Carr, the runner-up showed plenty of promise on his return from a six-month break and should be winning soon.
Lightning Flash (Sam Twiston-Davies) also made the 500-mile round-trip from Cheltenham worthwhile by landing the second division of the 2m Bobby Roberts Memorial Novices' Hurdle Race. Always in touch with the leaders, the four-year-old was produced with a well-timed challenge to hit the front on the run-in and win, going away. by three lengths from Breizh River (Craig Nichol).
Hartur D'Oudairies (Henry Brooke) edged in front near the finish to land the valuable 2m Hexham Racecourse Caravan & Camping Park Handicap Hurdle Race by a head from Horn Cape (Richie McLernon). Bought for £4,000 at Goffs January Sale, the seven-year-old has now won more than £17,000 in prize-money for new owners Melton Mowbray Bowls Club.
A busy spell at Hexham continues with meetings on Saturday May 11 and Tuesday May 21.
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