HEREFORD races saw a local win for Byton trainer Kerry Lee who struck in the two and a half mile handicap chase with her Town Parks, writes Graham Saveker

All seven runners in the race had a chance as they began their second circuit but over the final three fences it was Mr McGo and Town Perks who duelled for the lead with Ashoka joining issue over the final three fences.

In a stirring finish it was Town Parks, who seemed beaten approaching the final fence, who prevailed under a never say never ride from by Sam Twiston-Davies with Mr McGo in second and the Richard Johnson Garde le Victoire running a good seasonal debut back in third place.

Sam Twiston-Davies teamed up with the odds on favourite William Henry in extended three mile beginners chase and the classy winner who had smart hurdle form previously before injury demonstrated that he retained his ability with a smooth win.

The Sam Thomas trained ten-year-old, despite a few jumping errors, came home a four-and-three-quarter length winner at odds of 5/6 favourite from runner up Diomede Des Mottes.

Twiston-Davies said: “Hereford’s fences are lovely and a good starting point for a horse of his class.”

Trainer Sheila Lewis, sent three runners from her Hay-on-Wye yard to the track looking for further success but was out of luck and her Stupid Cupid running in the extended three-mile handicap chase, took a crashing fall as the field began their second circuit.

The race went to Mr Palmtree, partnered by Tabitha Worsley, who hit the front before the third last fence and they drew clear sealing the deal with three fluent jumps over the final three fences.

Richard Johnson, looking for winners to regain his Champion jockey’s title, got himself on the scoreboard at his local course when he partnered Drewmain Legend to win Division One of the two-mile handicap hurdle.

Drewmain Legend, returning after a wind operation, stayed on well for Johnson to beat his 13 rivals and should score again.

The meeting opened with another win for the in-form combo of trainer Kim Bailey and rider David Bass who combined with the willing Getaweapon.

Getaweapon, a previous point to point Bumper winner and a good second last time out in a Ffos Las Bumper, showed a determined and good attitude recorded an all the way two-and-three-quarter lengths win over the chasing Loughan.

Bass confirmed afterwards: “A lovely mare and won really nicely”.

Odds-on Dolcita from the in-form yard of Paul Nicholls in two-mile three-furlong intermediate hurdle had no answer to her main market rival Getawaytotherock.