Maximum field for Highland National

Perth: Double Whammy looks to land prize for second year running on final day of festival

Double Whammy faces a maximum field of 15 rivals as he bids to land the £20,000 Heineken UK Highland National for the second year running on the final day of the Perth Festival today.

The Iain Jardine-trained chaser, an eight-length scorer 12 months ago, shares top-weight with Sandy Thomson’s Borders National hero Harry The Viking.

Dual Aintree National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell partners Optimistic Bias for Worcestershire handler James Evans who won the Scone marathon in 2010 with Omix D’Or.

Nick and Lucy Alexander, who teamed up to secure the 2014 renewal with Bertie Milan, are represented by Marlee Massie.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Brian Harding as he has his final ride on Anyway the wind blows for Nicky Richards in the Heineken UK “Closing Time” Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.

Harding, 44, who has partnered more than 600 winners including 1998 Champion Chase victor One Man, is hanging up his saddle after a stint with Richards’ Greystoke yard that stretches back a quarter of a century.

The richest race of the whole week, yesterday’s £25,000 All New Discovery River Tay Handicap Chase, went to Paddy Brennan and Mystifiable.

Speaking after his charge had beaten Special Catch by two and a half lengths, winning trainer Fergal O’Brien said: “I thought this horse would enjoy the ground and it’s great to pick up such a nice prize at this time of year.

“We had a winner here yesterday and we love coming up to Perth.

“The ground is lovely and they have done a really good job with the fences.”

On a day of surprises, owners Mike and Eileen Newbould completed a double with Pain Au Chocolate and Endless Credit in the Heineken UK Handicap Chase and Congratulations To Brian Hughes From Stobart Chase.

The former, sent off at 5-2, is trained by Rebecca Menzies while the latter, a 16-1 chance, is based with Micky Hammond.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Action from the third race at Perth yesterday.

Brian Harding’s ride on Anywaythewindblows in the concluding bumper at Perth will mark the end of a career spanning 25 years in the saddle.