Shadow boxes on to score

SUE SMITH and her husband Harvey, famed for his V-sign salute when he was a top show jumper, made the trip from Yorkshire worthwhile after Midnight Shadow showed he is a horse on the upgrade by taking the Relkeel Hurdle.

The winner landed the Scottish Champion Hurdle as a novice last season and a had fair bit to find on the book against yesterday’s rivals. But he did the job in style.

“I hope to bring him back here in March for the Stayers’ Hurdle,” said Sue Smith, pictured. “Danny [Cook who rode the winner] said we are better going for the Stayers’ Hurdle rather than the Champion Hurdle.”

Local trainer Fergal O’Brien welcomed the New Year in impressive fashion after Jarveys Plate, under Paddy Brennan, had his rivals strung out like washing when landing the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

The Cheltenham racecourse has refused to comment on the decision of owners Paul and Clare Rooney to have no runners at the track as they are concerned about the number of injuries there.

Last season they were unfortunate to lose one of their horses at the track.

Paul Nicholls has become the trainer with the tenth most wins in Britain after Greaneteen gave him a landmark success at Exeter, bringing his tally to 2,951.

Greaneteen was Nicholls’ second winner of the day at Exeter after Cliffs Of Dover had struck in the preceding race, with both horses ridden by Bryony Frost.