'He was the best by a long way' - Tommy's Oscar defies top weight to land treble

Saturday: Musselburgh

It may be a new year but it was the same old story for Tommy's Oscar, who ushered in a hat-trick in impressive fashion at the Scottish track's opening meeting of 2022.

A winner in November and December, the seven-year-old shouldered top weight to power to a six-length success in the Hogmaneigh Hurdle under Tom Midgley to the delight of trainer Ann Hamilton.

"I was thrilled because he just loves it round here," Hamilton said. "We were concerned about the weight penalty, but we had Tom on to take a bit of weight off and he did a great job."

"We've got no plans just now for him but you never know because the horse is just so well. He was the best by a long way today, so surely the handicapper can't be too hard on him, but we may have to find a race now at level weights, I think."

The win continued the flying success Hamilton has enjoyed this season, with the Northumberland-based trainer claiming her eighth win with just four horses currently in training.

"The important thing is that they're all running so well and the year has got off to a good start. It's quite quiet at Musselburgh today and there's not many people here, but we put up with that last year and as long as the racing is on that's the main thing."

McCann on the move

Conditional jockey Conner McCann moved just one win short of shedding his 10lb claim for trainer Lucinda Russell after winning the 2m4f handicap hurdle with Aurora Thunder.

Aurora Thunder (right) chases down the leader to win under Connor McCannCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The 17-year-old jockey cemented his hot run of form to take his fourth career success in just nine starts under rules since November, landing a two-length success with the eight-year-old mare, who carries the same silks as Scottish National winner Mighty Thunder.

Results, replays and analysis

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