Magic Johnson adds another couple of race victories to his Warwick tally

Richard Johnson and Champagne West on their way to victory in the maiden hurdle at Warwick last Sunday. Picture: Les Hurley

There was a maximum field of 18 in The Solihull - Town In The Country Maiden Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs, but only two were in contention over the last two flights as Champagne West and Deputy Dan fought a ding-dong battle with just a length between them at the finish.

Johnson completed his double in the concluding bumper when bringing the 6-4 favourite Mountain King home from Delgany Demon to give Somerset trainer Philip Hobbs his sixth winner of the weekend.

Newmarket trainer John Ferguson had entered three in the opening The Mayor Of Solihull Charity Fund Juvenile Hurdle and his selected runner Mahican was well backed to make a winning debut, heading the market at 7-4.

Always prominent under Denis O’Regan, Mahican looked to have the race in safe keeping going to the last flight but Mandy’s Boy put in a determined challenge, forcing the favourite to pull out all the stops to win by a length.

Champion jockey AP McCoy treated racegoers to a riding masterclass in the The Age UK Solihull Beginners’ Chase, getting Mr Mole up to deny odds-on favourite Vukovar on the run-in.

Vukovar, the youngest of the five runners, was a short- priced favourite to make a winning debut in England, having won four times in his native France.

Sent to the front from the off by Noel Fehily, Vukovar jumped superbly and looked to have his rivals in trouble heading for home.

But McCoy has not been multiple champion jockey for nothing and he kidded Mr Mole into contention at the last fence and then overtook the leader halfway up the run-in to score comfortably.

Ten went to post in The Citizens Advice Solihull Handicap Chase and there was plenty of money for dual course winner George Nympton and former French chaser Un Anjou.

Sent off the 3-1 favourite, George Nympton blew his chances with a couple of indifferent jumps down the back straight, but those who had supported Un Anjou could start counting their winnings from the home turn as he galloped on strongly in the hands of Aidan Coleman to beat Mr Muddle.

At three miles and five furlongs, The Celebrating Solihull Handicap Chase was the longest race of the afternoon and it produced the closest finish as Leg Iron and Marc Goldstein got up right on the line to deny long-time leader Orange Nassau by the minimum distance.

Mrs Muck readily defied top weight to land the long distance handicap hurdle, beating Definite Lady and Icanmotor.