Hurdle first for Martin as Sykes strikes

Somerset permit-holder Nicky Martin broke new ground by saddling her first winner over hurdles as recent recruit Sykes powered home in the 2m6f handicap hurdle.

Having moved from Minehead neighbour Philip Hobbs, the Bradley Partnership-owned eight-year-old built on his encouraging stable debut at Worcester last month to run out a comfortable winner in the hands of Matt Griffiths.

Martin, who has a number of pointers in her "mixed bag" of a 20-strong yard, added to her six chase victories and sole bumper win under rules with Sykes, whose chase form tailed off in the second half of last season.