Hammersly Lake makes it a Perth double

Hammersly Lake was an impressive 5-1 winner of the feature race at Perth yesterday for the second year in a row.

Racing off a 10lb higher mark and again ridden by Brian hughes, he slammed 9-4 favourite Imperial Presence by three-and-three-quarter lengths in the £25,000 Sodexo Prestige Venues And Events Killiecrankie Handicap Chase over 2m 4f.

Winning trainer Charlie Longdon said: “He was fifth in last year’s American Grand National and that is the plan again. It was a career best performance today and Brian said he deserves to run in conditions races in this country.

“Full marks to Perth for putting on a valuable race like this. They’ve been rewarded with the likes of Kim Bailey, ourselves and Philip Hobbs sending up horses rated in the 150s.”

Milnathort-based Lucinda Russell had four runners in the Bet With The Dewhurst Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle and she struck with 18-1 chance Celtic Flames, who came from last to first to score by a neck under Derek Fox. The jockey said: “He can be a funny horse but I knew he’d stick his head on and run on.

“We were last three out but he stayed on well and I was confident he’d see the trip out well.”

Dan and Harry Skelton teamed up to land the Energy Check Utility Solutions Novices’ Handicap Chase with Ange Des Malberaux.

Jockey Harry said: “He’s been very consistent in the four runs he’s had since joining us.

“He really tries and has won over hurdles and fences.”

Meanwhile, Perth will be bringing the season to a close later this month with it’s “Glorious Finale”.

The double-header takes place on 26 and 27 September and tickets are available on the racecourse website: www.perth-races.co.uk.