'That was better than Cachet, wasn't it?' - Ronnie continues Highclere heroics

Monday: Warwick

A day after Highclere Thoroughbred Racing enjoyed their first British Classic win with Cachet in the 1,000 Guineas, there was more cause for celebration when Rockstar Ronnie took the feature 2m4f handicap chase to provide the syndicate with a first winner of the new jumps season.

The seven-year-old, who bumped into fellow bank holiday Monday winner Slate House last time out, relished the step up in trip to justify odds-on favouritism for Dan and Harry Skelton on the 'Kids Carnival' raceday at the Warwickshire track.

The dodgems and a magic roundabout were some of the attractions in the centre of the track and Skelton, who was winning the race for the third successive year, embraced the jovial spirit.

"That was better than Cachet, wasn’t it?" joked the winning trainer. "He’s been a magical horse for the syndicate and to go and jump like that, I think the step up to two and a half miles is an improvement for him. Those five fences down the back really suit a horse like him.

"One of the syndicate members said Slate House won easily [at Kempton], so Rockstar Ronnie was entitled to go and win that, but I actually didn’t watch it, I was on the helter-skelter with my daughter. Obviously everyone’s in great spirits after Cachet winning, so the fun continues."

Ace comes up trumps

Neil King began the new season where he left off as Sporting Ace made a winning hurdling debut under a front-running Jack Quinlan ride.

King, who landed a Grade 2 and a valuable handicap prize at Haydock last month, struck with his first runner of the new season as his six-year-old bumper winner comfortably dealt with the step up in trip in the 3m1f maiden hurdle.

Quinlan said: "That’s my first ride of the season, so it's brilliant for myself and Neil to get that winner on the board so early and to do it in that kind of style makes it better. He put the race to bed with ease and saw the trip out really well.

"He’s a winter horse we didn’t want to turn away too early because he’s doing so well at home and we’ve come here for safe ground. He’ll have a summer holiday now, then we’ll come back at some point and take on stronger opposition.”

Also getting off the mark over hurdles with a dominant front-running display was the Mel Rowley-trained Prime Time Lady in the 2m mares’ maiden hurdle, which last year was won by the smart Nina The Terrier.

The keen-going five-year-old, who scored under Alex Edwards, benefited from the application of first-time eyeshields to win by 13 lengths.

Welcome win

On a day of firsts, Nickelsonthedime ended Kayley Woollacott's three-month wait for a winner, with Joshua Newman guiding the eight-year-old to a first win under rules at the 16th attempt.

Results, replays and analysis

If you want more of Monday's reports:

Revitalised Slate House delivers 'special' first winner for Joe Tizzard

Buckaroo gallops into the Irish Guineas picture with impressive Tetrarch success

'I had to keep him' - Tanmawwy delivers for new owner and in-form Charlie Hills

Gordon Elliott on brink of new milestone after Gallyhill strikes on opening day

Icing on the cake for owner as Get It provides him with a birthday winner

Tom Clover eyes Super Sprint bid after debut success for Rogue Spirit

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