Serious Operator shows serious ability for Lucinda Russell

Sunday: Kelso

Serious Operator triumphed over serial summer winner Mortlach, who holds a Grade 2 entry at Chepstow on Friday, to showcase his credentials for the jumps season.

In what was a much-delayed 2m5f novice hurdle due to five flights being omitted due to low sun, the £37,000 purchase outstayed his main market rival in the jumping-free home straight.

Serious Operator's trainer Lucinda Russell did not mind the delay to proceedings, however, and is in a buoyant mood for a season that promises plenty.

She told Racing TV: "We love horses like this. He’s tough and hardy and has taken everything we’ve thrown at him at home. He’s fitted into our stable nicely.

"We might have a look at the Fighting Fifth meeting [at Newcastle] with him. When you have novice hurdlers who stay it’s always very exciting.”

The Vollan clears away from Haute Estime in the 2m7½f novice handicap chaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Russell also found positives in the chasing debut of beaten favourite Haute Estime who, despite placing in Grade 1 company at Aintree in April, was unable to beat outsider-of-three The Vollan in the 2m7½f novice handicap chase.

Russell added: “I was delighted with her, she was very novicey and didn’t have a lead, which was quite hard for her. She’s been beaten by a nice horse, who is very tough and who probably had a fitness edge on us.”

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