Calett Mad shows class to romp home in feature

Jacob steers favourite to victory by 31 lengths

Calett Mad romped away with the Listed EBF Stallions Gold Castle “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day of the Perth Festival.

The favourite led at the second last flight before pulling away to trounce Scorpion Sid by 31 lengths under Daryl Jacob, who took his recent course strikerate to five wins from just seven rides.

Jacob, who had travelled north for his only ride at the Scone course, said: “He surprised us when he won at Musselburgh and I looked after him on the ground at Cheltenham.

“His connections spotted this race and, as you could see, he is a horse with a bit of class.”

Callet Mad’s trainer Nigel Twistondavies had earlier initiated a shortpriced double when Blue Flight landed the opening Joseph Perrier “The Party Has Started” Maiden Hurdle under Jamie Bargary.

On the second day of the festival Jimmy Moffat is hoping for a big run from Morning Royalty as the 11-year-old makes his first appearance at Perth in today’s feature race.

The Cartmel raider, the winner of eight of his 45 career starts faces four rivals in the £30,000 All New Discovery River Tay Handicap Chase staged over two and a half miles.

Moffatt said: “He’s a pretty straightforward horse and he goes on soft ground. He’s never been to the course before but he’s ultra-reliable and should run his race as he always does.”

The opposition to Morning Royalty includes Rebecca Menzies-trained course winner Pain Au Chocolat and recent Newbury winner Tiquer, a long distance raider for Somerset trainer Alan Jones.

Nick Alexander is double-handed with Fly Rory Fly and Calivigny in the £13,000 MKM Building Supplies Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

The Kinneston trainer’s daughter Lucy takes the ride on the former, while leading northern jockey Brian Hughes partners Calivigny, who finished fourth in yesterday’s penultimate race.

The festival continues today and tomorrow, with Grandstand tickets available at £20.

Bellshill saw off stable companion Djakadam to claim top honours in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup.

Willie Mullins saddled four of the 12 runners and it was Bellshill who reeled in Djakdam to get the better of a thrilling duel after the final fence.

Picture: Steve Macdougall. The eventual winner of yesterday’s opening race at the Perth Festival, favourite Blue Flight, is tucked in in third place behind early pacesetter Russiantom and Skye Chief.

Lucy Alexander partners Fly Rory Fly for her father today.