Western Climate warms to the task at Warwick

Western Climate landed the feature Sloane Helicopters Handicap Chase over the marathon trip of three miles and five furlongs.

The grey mare Goodnight Charlie and Bridget Andrews made a bold effort to take the feature for the second year running but a mistake four fences from home put paid to their chances, opening the door for Western Climate to go to the front and see off the challenge of Fleminport.

Although 13 runners set out in the opening Dreamland Bedding Centre Novices’ Hurdle, the betting suggested that only three had any real chance, with Nickolson, ridden by champion jockey Richard Johnson, leading the market ahead of dual course winner Trincomalee and The Cob.

It was The Cob who set off in front, closely followed by the other two but, by the time the runners turned to face the final two jumps, Nickolson had established a clear lead.

In behind, 25-1 shot Hooligan, having just his second run, was making relentless progress and he came to tackle the favourite at the final flight and go five lengths clear on the run-in to spring a surprise.

Litterale Ci was an uneasy favourite to land the following EBF Mares’ Novices’ Chase over two-and-a-half miles, as sustained support for Black Tulip saw her shorten from 3-1 into 2-1. Sent into a clear lead by Johnson from the start, Black Tulip set a good pace, but was being ridden to hold off her rival as the two turned into the home straight. A good jump at the last fence sealed it for Litterale Ci and her supporters would have been well pleased with the starting price of evens.

The Elizabeth Jackson Charitable Trust Handicap Hurdle attracted the largest field of the afternoon and, with the lead changing in the straight, it was Lunar Baby who delivered the final and decisive challenge in the hands of Jonjo O’Neill Jnr, to beat Holly James and Moroder.

The Pony Racing Authority Graduates Handicap Hurdle went to top-weight Playa Blanca, who jumped to the front at the penultimate flight under Ben Jones for an easy success.

Young Bull was made the 3-1 favourite to complete a four-timer in the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Handicap Hurdle but was denied by 28-1 shot Potters Hedger, who was given a positive ride by Jack Quinlan, coming into the straight with a good lead and always holding Young Bull and Terrierman.

Punters suffered another blow when Bear Ghylls became the longest priced winner of the afternoon when taking the closing Childrens Air Ambulance Flat Race at 33-1.