Gordon Elliott enjoyed an opening day success as Ravenhill (12/1), ridden by Jamie Codd, won the National Hunt Chase, beating Lord Du Mesnil (11/2) by two and a quarter lengths. Third-placed Lamanver Pippin (33/1) was 28 lengths further back, while the 10/11 favourite, Carefully Selected, fell at the final fence when looking most unlikely to trouble the first two.
The winning trainer was full of praise for jockey Codd, stating:
“Jamie gave him a great ride, and just hunted away giving the horse time. He travelled brilliantly. Jamie is a star and ‘’m very lucky to have him riding for me.”
5.30pm National Hunt Chase (Amateur riders) (Grade 2)
1 Ravenhill (Try Ravenhill Syndicate) Gordon Elliott & Mr Jamie Codd 12/1
2 Lord du Mesnil (Paul Porter, Mike & Mandy Smith) Richard Hobson & Mr Sam Waley-Cohen 11/2
3 Lamanver Pippin (Donna Christensen) Colin Tizzard & Mr William Biddick 33/1
14 ran 10/11 fav Carefully Selected (UR)
Distances: 2¼, 28.
