First course success for Henderson as Bowen impresses on Fugitives Drift

Nicky Henderson enjoyed his first winner at the Cumbrian track as Fugitives Drift landed the 2m1½f beginners' chase under James Bowen.

The Seven Barrows trainer had previously only saddled two runners at the course, the best of whom finished second, but Fugitives Drift justified 6-5 favouritism to make a successful debut over fences.

It was hard work for the son of Yeats, but he showed his class in the closing stages to hold off Thatsy by a length and a half.

The trainer, who indicated we will see more of Fugitives Drift in the summer months, said: "That was very good. He [James] gave him a very, very good ride – he had to ask him quite a lot of questions. I thought two miles around there would be sharp for him.

"He's not a very big horse, but he's neat and he had to go a right rattle, he'll get further. Henry Ponsonby [owner] is delighted as well, I think it's his first winner there."

Bowen, who has three rides for Henderson at Kelso on Sunday, said: "It's nice to get a winner for the boss. He has a good look around in front but it's not greenness as such, he only does what he needs to do. He jumped well and when I asked him he did it well."

Earlier, Voice Of Calm was an impressive winner of the 2m1f mares' handicap hurdle for jockey Tom Bellamy and trainer Emma Lavelle.

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