'She was screaming him on at home' - emotional success as Whisper raises roof

Richard Phillips paid tribute to the support and patience of owner Liz Prowting, whose Minella Whisper struck in the novice handicap chase under a polished ride by Daniel Hiskett.

This was the ten-year-old's first win for nearly three years, with a tendon injury having limited him to just five starts since then.

"Liz has been so patient with him," said Phillips, clutching a bottle of champagne and soon reminiscing about his time working for Henry Candy.

"The horse came to us a few years ago and won over hurdles, but then had a tendon injury. We've nursed him back and I'm really pleased for Liz, who is an absolute legend of an owner.

"She's had some good horses over the years and you wouldn't find a better owner, and I hear she's quite emotional at home – I think she was screaming him on."

Prowting also owns December bumper winner Picanha, rated by Phillips as a horse to note.

Triple Nickle (far side) strikes for Robert WilliamsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Welcome winner

Triple Nickle's success in the mares' novice hurdle was a welcome one for trainer Bernard Llewellyn and jockey Robert Williams.

They had gone without a winner since October and Williams explained: "We needed that. Christmas was no good to us as the weather was so bad. We've got ex-Flat horses, so the soft/heavy ground doesn't suit us.

"This time of year, though, we should kick on now and have a nice team at their level."

Certainly Red makes a little piece of Wincanton historyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Red letter day

Certainly Red created a little piece of history by winning the 3m½f handicap hurdle.

The contest, which commentator and non-executive course director Richard Hoiles was understandably proud of, was the longest hurdle race ever staged at the track, which was able to host it by repositioning some obstacles.

The seven-year-old is trained by Lydia Richards, who has a small string in West Sussex.

She said: "I've only got eight in training, but we had two winners and two seconds from just four runners on the Flat last month and Red has come out today and won that quite nicely."

Results, replays and analysis

Members can read in-depth reports from daily race meetings every evening