'He showed a fair bit of class in point-to-points' - 20-1 shot Galassian beats 1-2 favourite in maiden hurdle

Galassian confirmed some of his earlier promise when lowering the colours of 1-2 shot Kevin's Pride in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

The Mel Rowley-trained seven-year-old pounced late to deny the John McConnell-trained favourite by two and a quarter lengths under Stan Sheppard.

Rowley said: "Galassian showed a fair bit of class in his point-to-points and has always promised to be a nice horse. This trip was on the short side for him on paper but the conditions really suited him.

"This win is a tonic we desperately needed. The horses have not been running as well as they should have recently and it's been hard to put a finger on why, so it's nice to see him win."

Prolific hurdler

Classic Maestro gained a fifth victory from his last six starts in handicap hurdles when successful under amateur Edward Vaughan in the opening 2m½f event.

The six-year-old scored by six lengths and continued the good form of trainer Jennie Candlish, who also struck with the Sean Quinlan-ridden Yealand in the 2m4f handicap chase at Doncaster.

Double up

Jane Williams enjoyed a double courtesy of the Brian Hughes-ridden Excelero in the 2m½f novice hurdle and debutant Lancelot Allen under Lorcan Williams in the bumper.

On the scoresheet

Kerry Lee enjoyed a first winner since late February when the Liam Harrison-ridden New Found Fame stayed on best to land the 2m3f handicap hurdle by a length and three-quarters.

Back-to-back wins

Strackan backed up a first win at Uttoxeter last month when landing the 2m7f handicap hurdle for David Bass and Henry Daly.

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