Donald McCain keeps the prize-money at home as Fruit N Nut wins on hurdle debut

Donald McCain may have unleashed a smart prospect in one of the races he sponsored on the card at his local track as Fruit N Nut made a winning debut over hurdles with a stylish success in the 2m½f maiden.

The five-year-old won two bumpers last term and was pitched into Grade 2 level at the Grand National meeting in April, and he made the perfect start over obstacles with a three and a quarter length win in the race sponsored by the trainer's racing club.

Winning jockey Brian Hughes said: "He won his first two starts for us and earned his right to go to Aintree, where he would have finished a lot closer but we got shuffled right back. His finishing position was a lot better than it looked. He's a really lovely horse.

"That's the first time we've made the running with him as we sat back in two bumpers. He's been very slick jumping at home and we wanted to make sure it was an evenly run race. It was a good test."

It may be a while before Fruit N Nut is next seen on a track, however, after it was confirmed he suffered a nasty overreach during the race.

Hughes added: "He nicked himself when missing a hurdle but Donald said he'd be okay, thankfully. It's not ideal but he'll just need a bit of time."

Scudamore strikes

Tom Scudamore continued his fine form with a fourth winner from his last 12 rides when Saturn 'n Silk benefitted from the final flight fall of Tequila Blaze to win the opening 2m3½f mares' novice hurdle.

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