'He'll be even better up in trip' - Richard Newland boosts Hexham strike-rate

Wednesday: Hexham

Richard Newland and his team were given extra reasons to celebrate after Feivel continued the trainer's terrific form with a determined success in the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

The six-year-old is the first horse owned by The Boondogglers Syndicate, which is run by Newland's assistant trainer Rod Trow, and gave his owners their landmark first winner when holding off challenges from Bak Rocky and Charm Offensive for a gutsy half-length victory.

"He had to win today!" the trainer said. "Rod will be very happy as he selected the horse too. He had a nasty fall the last day but he jumped nicely today. Charlie [Hammond] gave him a beautiful ride and he'll be even better up in trip as well."

Feivel's win took Newland's strike-rate at the Northumberland track to an impressive 31 per cent, a record the trainer joked had left him surprised.

He added: "The funniest thing is we were useless at Hexham, but it's got a bit better over the years. The track certainly wouldn't suit every horse, so we pick and choose who comes here."

Double delight

Ryan Mania and Sue Smith enjoyed a 119-1 double, headlined by outsider Just Jess's surprise win in the 2m mares' novice hurdle.

The powerful duo on the northern circuit also struck with Treshnish, who revelled in the testing conditions to land the 1m7½f handicap chase by three lengths.

Flying Fox

Derek Fox also doubled up when Deep Charm won the 3m handicap chase before Without Conviction landed the 2m4f handicap chase for his boss Lucinda Russell.

Results, replays and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday