'I'll probably up him in grade now' - unbeaten Skycutter excites Phil Kirby

Monday: Musselburgh

Phil Kirby's journey to Scotland was made worthwhile for the second day running when the smart Skycutter continued his perfect start to his career over jumps by landing the feature juvenile hurdle under Tommy Dowson.

The November Handicap fourth, who won on his hurdles debut at Wetherby last month, had to be briefly urged along after the final flight to see off the persistent challenge of Collingham.

Kirby, who struck at Kelso on Sunday with Bushypark, said: "A lot of soft-ground horses haven't run so it was just a case of having to hang fire. It's been a bit slow coming for everybody but we've opened fire and it's nice to have the horses to do the job now.

"We're really pleased with Skycutter. The priority was to get him to jump straight there because he's always schooled great and he went a bit wayward the other day at Wetherby, so I thought this was the right race to get him jumping again. I'll probably up him in grade now."

Brian Hughes, the rider of Collingham, later gained compensation when the Donald McCain-trained Minella Plus completed a hat-trick in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle.

Happy Heskin

Adrian Heskin continued his superb run of form when he made it back-to-back wins on the Olly Murphy-trained Thunder Rock, before cruising to a 41-length success aboard Magna Sam in the 3m handicap chase to give trainer Sophie Leech her first winner at the track.

Magna Sam: completed a double on the day for Adrian HeskinCredit: John Grossick

Nick Alexander's Upandatit came home a distant second to Magna Sam, but his other favourite on the card landed the odds when Wakool followed up last month's course-and-distance win under last-minute replacement Conor O'Farrell.

O'Farrell picked up the spare ride after Danny McMenamin had been stood down due to a fall in the 2m6f novice handicap chase won by Elixer, who broke his maiden status at the 31st attempt for Barry Murtagh.

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