SUPER STAR

IMPULSIVE STAR won over fences for the first time with success in the McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Chase at Warwick.

Neil Mulholland’s charge was winless after five previous outings over the larger obstacles, but had run some fine races in defeat, most notably finishing fourth in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March.

The eight-year-old was last seen chasing home Ok Corral – a winner earlier on the card – at Plumpton last month.

And he was an 8-1 shot making his handicap debut under a light weight in this prestigious winter contest.

Last year’s winner Milansbar gave a bold sight in front for much of the three-mile five-furlong journey but was a spent force racing down the back straight for the second time and Impulsive Star took the lead under Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen,carrying the colours of his dad, Robert.

Calett Mad andCrosspark both threw down strong challenges in the home straight but Mulholland’s charge dug deep and saw off the former by three-and-a-quarter lengths. Mulholland, who also saddled the fourth home Carole’s Destrier, said: “I’m delighted with Impulsive Star. He had a nice little pipe-opener around Plumpton the other day and obviously the winner of that race won earlier on. “We knew he would improve for the run, he had a light weight on his back today and we felt he was on a nice mark. It all came together on the day.” Impulsive Star is in line for another tilt at the National Hunt Chase, for which he was cut to around 14-1. The aforementioned Ok Corral is the 3-1 favourite. Mulholland added: “He ran well in the National Hunt Chase last year and he’s still a novice, so that’s the plan again. “Carole’s Destrier ran a cracker as well. All the horses seem to be in good form at the moment so we’re very happy.”

CHASING THE PRIZE: Impulsive Star just edges out Calett Mad