Back with a bang: 136-1 four-timer for Olly Murphy on first day of jumps return

Walking became a regular pastime for Olly Murphy during British racing’s shutdown but the Warwickshire trainer was jumping for joy at the first jump meeting back as he enjoyed a fantastic 136-1 four-timer from four runners.

Enemy Coast Ahead began the winning thread on his yard debut in division one of the 2m novice hurdle before Sangha River and yard favourite Hunters Call defied mammoth layoffs in division two and the feature 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

The well-regarded Sangha River, whose owner Barbara Hester was on course, scored on his first start in 863 days while Hunters Call defied a 921-day layoff – a break of over two and a half years – and St Gallen maintained the one hundred per cent strike-rate in the 2m handicap hurdle.

Murphy said: “It's been a magic day and the horses have been in great form. The spotlight will be on me but the BHA have done a good job in getting racing back and Southwell have done a top job with the ground.

“Sangha River is a gorgeous horse but had a fair few problems. He’s required patience but has a massive engine. He puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Sangha River clears the final flight to record an impressive success under Aidan Coleman at SouthwellCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Hunters Call gave me my first big win and we’re very fond of him. His Ascot form has worked out very well and my staff have done a great job in bringing these horses back. An awful lot of work goes into it.”

On his lockdown experience, Murphy added: “I’ve never been a walker but done plenty of it during racing’s shutdown! We’re lucky to have a countryside environment compared to many others.”

Ben Pauling was another trainer to maintain a hundred per cent strike-rate as he enjoyed a 125-1 double with Tel'Art in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle and Sebastian Beach in the 3m½f handicap hurdle.

Remember the name

Pub quizzers need to remember the name – or number – Nineohtwooneoh after the Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old became the first winner of the 2020/21 jump season in the opening 2m4½f novices’ handicap chase.

The JP McManus-owned Nineohtwooneoh was partnered by Harry Cobden, who spent large parts of racing’s shutdown doing “an enjoyable bit” of farming and bird rearing.

Cobden said: “It’s great to be back riding and the big guns in Paul's yard are back in next week so it's an exciting time.

Harry Cobden with his face mask at Southwell on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Nineohtwooneoh took a bit of time to warm into it but did it nicely. He's one that should go forward through the summer.”

Back racing

Southwell's executive director Mark Clayton praised his team that were tasked with hosting the first jump meeting since British racing's resumption.

Clayton said: "We were delighted with the day and it's been great to have jump racing back and owners on site. The ground was a great credit to our staff.

"What we produced for the owners was good and the layout of the course helped with that."

One owner was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham after being taken unwell during the meeting.

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