Atrocious conditions at Lingfield posed no problems to On Trend as he made a winning debut for Nick Gifford in the EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.
On Trend battles through the mud
Atrocious conditions at Lingfield posed no problems to On Trend as he made a winning debut for Nick Gifford in the EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.
The Surrey course had cancelled a morning inspection but incessant rain exacerbated the demands of an already tricky jumping course.
On Trend's only previous start had been when successful in an Irish point-to-point last April, but there seemed to be little market confidence as he went off at 14-1.
Warren Marston was in front for much of the way and On Trend overcame a couple of minor jumping errors to hold Raduis Bleu by four and a half lengths.
It was the first winner in 25 years for Paul Langmead, who had horses with Gifford's father Josh but went on an ownership hiatus
"That was brilliant - I didn't know what to expect really as he had done everything nicely at home without setting the world alight," said Gifford.
"But often the ones like that at home are the ones you want. It will be steady away now.
"His point-to-point was on good ground, so that gives us options."
Just as smart a prospect is the fabulous-looking Daymar Bay (5-1), who continued Emma Lavelle's hot streak by brushing off his rivals without any trouble at all in the Burstow Intermediate bumper.
Lavelle's representative Barry Fenton said: "He's a baby, so we wanted to run on the all-weather when the ground had gone.
"He's a lovely horse and I would think we'll save hurdling until next season and give him another run in a bumper at some point."
Marston made it a double in the Betdaq The Betting Exchange Handicap Chase when Ponchatrain (5-1) just about lasted to the line ahead of the closing Mr Bond.
Trainer Martin Keighley said: "I think putting the visor on has helped, and he does go in the sloppy ground.
"The way he jumped and travelled made it hard for the others."
Marston nearly secured a treble in the T Frost (Bawtry) Racing Saddlers Handicap Chase before Tom Scudamore pulled a rabbit out of the hat.
Scudamore, the conjuror of many unlikely victories on the fine staying hurdler Lough Derg, persuaded Noble Crusader (11-2) to emerge from a far-detached position to collar Marston and King Ozzy close home.
"When he got to the top of the hill he started to pick up but I was only confident when he got his head in front," admitted the jockey.
"It was hard work starting out uphill on the final circuit but he was jumping so well I didn't mind keeping pushing."
Pat Rodford's Sparky May (9-2) is still unbeaten over timber after making it two-from-two in decisive fashion in the Marsh Green Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
"The pipe-dream would be the EBF Final at Newbury next March but that's a long way away," said Rodford.
"I think she'll have a break now, and then go handicapping."
Miss Fleur (11-2) gave Nick Mitchell a welcome first winner for 219 days in the Bet Premier League Football - Betdaq Novices' Handicap Chase.
There was not much to inspire about her form figures but she was well in command over Midnight Diamond, who had been under pressure for the entire last circuit.
"She has been an unlucky mare - she was brought down last time, has had leg problems and hock problems but her owners Milcombe Racing have been incredibly patient," said Mitchell.
"She just stays. Hopefully the handicapper won't be too harsh and she can win again."
A terrific battle between Carrig An Uisce (9-2) and Just Beware for the Try Betdaq For An Exchange Copthorne Handicap Hurdle went the way of the former, ridden by Andrew Tinkler.
