Denmead looks a very useful recruit for the Skeltons after winning easily on his first start over hurdles. Better known for his flat exploits for John Butler, Denmead drew clear over the last flight and won by a margin as big as fourteen lengths. Was a useful 2m handicapper on the flat, and one for the notebook.
Ten minutes later, and we were once again treated by some fine riding by the Champion Jockey Richard Johnson. Despite taking the lead two flights from the finish, this 8yo gelding appeared to want to run out. Idling in front, Johnson dug deep and got him home to in the end run on and win a shade cosily.
Muntadab - who raced yesterday at Musselburgh, made the trip to Leicester a worthwhile one by landing the Wreake Handicap. Always prominent, he was headed a furlong out and appeared to be struggling. Cameron Noble had another ideas and rallied late to snatch victory inside the final furlong. Stayed on well and was a good winner for Roger Fell, who is finding it hard going at the minute.
One of the shortest price and easiest winners of the day went to My Sister Sarah over at Punchestown, but it saw the eagerly awaited return of Ruby Walsh! Back in the saddle from injury, it’s only taken Walsh his third ride back to return to the Winners Enclosure, aboard this ten-length successor in a weak-looking maiden hurdle. Great to see the main man back.