'He’ll be a kid to follow in the north' - Joshua Thompson plays part in continuing Adam Nicol's fine form aboard Benefit Ben

Adam Nicol enjoyed the best month of his training career in April with four winners across both codes and it did not take him long to get off the mark in May as Benefit Ben justified 100-30 favouritism in the 2m5f handicap hurdle.

The David Armstrong and Lee Westwood-owned seven-year-old was unsold at £6,500 in a ThoroughBid online sale last Tuesday and provided Nicol with a winner from his second runner of the month.

“It’s going the right way,” said Nicol. “David’s a new owner this season so it’s good to get Benefit Ben to win twice.”

The son of Ocovango was steered to a two-and-a-quarter-length victory by 19-year-old Joshua Thompson.

Nicol said: “I actually rode winners for his Dad. Josh has ridden four winners for us now and he’s very good value for the 7lb, he’s improving quite quickly. He’ll be a kid to follow in the north.”

Welcome winner

Edward Austin ended a year-long wait for a winner when successful on Away She Goes in the 2m mares’ handicap hurdle. 

Edward Austin all smiles after riding his first winner for more than a year on Away She GoesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Paul Robson-trained six-year-old was Austin’s 92nd ride since his last winner at Hexham last May.

Robson also landed the 3m2f handicap hurdle with Our Girl Sal, whose rider Ryan Mania struck in the following 2m5f novice hurdle on the James Ewart-trained Lucky Manifest.

Hat-trick hero

Susan Corbett's Kilmore Rock remains unbeaten since cheekpieces were applied in March after sealing a hat-trick in the 2m6½f handicap hurdle by three and a half lengths under Nathan Moscrop.

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.