'We weren't expecting that margin' - Skelton newcomer records easy 41-length win

Saturday: Hexham

Dan Skelton looks to have unleashed a potential star in She's A Saint, who bolted up by 41 lengths on her debut in the 2m novices' hurdle.

A winner of her only point, the five-year-old cruised into a near ten-length lead from the start and the rest of the field were never able to get back on terms.

She’s A Saint barely came off the bridle before stretching further clear under Tristan Durrell, who was struggling to pull her up after the line, and not even Skelton was expecting a performance of that calibre.

"I thought it was a nice ride from Tristan. She’s a really nice horse and she’s been great at home," he said.

"We were confident she would run well, we just weren’t quite expecting it to be by that margin!"

This emphatic victory has given Skelton plenty of confidence going forward and he was quick to add that "she'll step up in grade" from here.

Double delight

Jockey Henry Brooke kickstarted a double on the day with victory aboard Rocco Storm in the opening 1m7½f handicap chase. It was a first victory at the 16th attempt for the Danny Brooke-trained seven-year-old, who won by 12 lengths from Hexham regular Graystown.

The conditional jockey followed up that victory by guiding the Brian Ellison-trained Tiger Jet to an easy 19-length win in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.

Jonathon and George Bewley also recorded a double. The pair united with Paddy the Horse, who edged out Snipe in the 2m4f maiden hurdle, before combining again with Breaking The Ice, who made all to land the 2m4f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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