There was a rare winner over obstacles for Derrick Smith - better known for his exploits for Ballydoyle on the flat. Ready And Able sported his colours to success in the Kay Pinfold 100th Birthday Conditional Jockey's Handicap Hurdle and won very handsomely indeed for a young upcoming jockey. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, a winner of the Grand National back in 2010, Jonjo O'Neill Jr was put in charge of the steering, and was motionless much throughout. He led over two out, and stayed on strongly to draw away from the field towards the finish to land a hat-trick of wins.
Aintree - Ready And Able
Wincanton - Cheeky Rascal
In this BetBright Casino Juvenile Hurdle, plenty of the runners showed signs of greeness - in particular Powerful Society, who unshipped Angus Cheleda early on in what looked a horror fall. The jockey and horse were unscathed, and the race was later won by Cheeky Rascal for the Rosiers. Having his first run over hurdles after a long flat campaign, both he and Teaser - the eventual second, were not convincing in their jumping and were running around up the home straight. Leighton Aspell used his valuable experience; which has led him to two Grand National successes, to get the Oliver Sherwood 3yo home in front.
Ripon - Luxor
Luxor returned to winning ways for William Haggas and Martin Harley. A 2yo out of Oasis Dream showed plenty of promise on his second start when winning at Wolverhampton, and could only finish third here at the end of September behind Fastman. He settled much better on Saturday, and was in command throughout. A possible rise in grade may bring more out of him, but a nice win at a nice price for Highclere Tbred racing.