TRAINER Nicky Henderson said he was delighted to claim the first winner at Hereford Racecourse as jump racing returned to the city after a four year break.

Rather Be, ridden by Andrew Tinkler, was the odds-on favourite to win the Novice Hurdle and his class told in the closing stages to win by seven lengths.

"It's his first ever run over hurdles and I had hoped he would win, but he's still got to do it," said Henderson.

"He was very quirky as a young horse and was doing quite well last year, but we had to mind him a little bit.

"Now he is ready to go and he jumped beautifully.

"It's been a great racecourse and always been fun and very hospitable.

"The crowd has always been knowledgeable and I think the crowd here for the first day says everything that it's great to be back.

"When we knew we were getting it back and the programme came out, we were all keen to come and support it.

"From Hereford's point of view, it's a great day and well done Hereford.

"I'm sure this is a good, local crowd that has come to support it with the fact that their racecourse has come back."

The day belonged to Sam Twiston-Davies though following a treble success of winners.

The 23-year-old is the son of trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who grew up in Wormelow and had his first winner at Hereford in 1982.

"His first winner was here and he has many fond memories of the place," said Sam.

"He was brought up round here so he was delighted to be back.

"It's a great crowd and they deserve it because they've got the ground back in great nick.

"They've done a smashing job in getting it back and the ground is in great nick.

"Now you get a better idea of the fences."