'I couldn't fault his performance' - promising novice delights Richard Newland

Tuesday: Catterick

After being thrown into the deep end on his British debut in the Grade 1 Tolworth, the Richard Newland-trained Whizz Kid confirmed his promise when winning the 1m7½f maiden hurdle without coming off the bridle.

The six-year-old won at a canter under Charlie Hammond, affording the jockey a look between his legs as he pulled 27 lengths clear of his nearest rival, the Sue Smith-trained Edgar Allan Poe, with the rest toiling in behind.

Newland said: "I'm delighted that he got the job done. I couldn't fault his performance today and he's clearly a very nice horse.

"His wind didn't hold together at Sandown, so he had a wind operation in preparation for today. The better ground has helped, so onwards and upwards."

Whizz Kid will retain his novice status until the end of October due to winning on the first day of March, which leaves the Worcestershire trainer with options.

"The obvious thing is to look for something similar and run him under the penalty," he added. "We'll plan it from there but handicaps are an option."

Hat-trick hero

Mackenberg won the 2m3f novice chase to bring up his hat-trick for trainer Donald McCain. The seven-year-old led at the last and drew clear by four lengths on the run-in under Brian Hughes to maintain his unbeaten record over fences.

Mackenberg maintains his unbeaten record over fencesCredit: John Grossick

Hughes believes there is still more improvement to come and said: "He's a work in progress and he's got his own way of jumping but it works for him. As long as you hold him together, he works it out."

Hughes later brought up his double aboard the Rebecca Menzies-trained Schalke.

Results, replays and analysis

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