HOARWITHY trainer Tom Symonds was the man in form on Saturday, triumphing with his stable star Song for Someone in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham races and also with Innisfree Lad at the first Hereford races with spectators allowed back in.

Whilst Song for Someone was establishing his Cheltenham or Aintree Festival credentials he consistent Innisfree Lad was winning for the fourth time from five starts in the three-mile one furlong handicap chase, writes Graham Saveker.

The eight year-old Innisfree Lad joined the Dason Court stable when ex-trainer David Dennis joined the Symonds team and has thrived since and in the hands of jockey Rex Dingle cruised home from his six rivals to record a seven and a half length win.

Speaking after the win Symonds said: "To win four races in a career is good, so to win four in a season is something else.

"He like others that joined us, seems to have thrived on the change of scenery. If you had a yard full of horses like him you’d be laughing.”

Another local winner of the scoreboard was that of Kings Caple’s Venetia Williams when her Kapga De Lily won in the hands of stable amateur Lucy Turner in the extended three-mile Mares Handicap Chase.

Turner was positive aboard the improving seven year-old and once she had kicked clear of her rivals on the final circuit the result was never in doubt allowing favourite backers to collect at odds of 15/8 for a cosy three length win.

The manner of the win suggested that a further win would not be out of place.

Worcestershire trainer Doctor Richard Newland has been amongst the winners in recent weeks and his Le Patriote was one the market principals in the two mile Novices chase with that of Elixir De Nutz from the Colin Tizzard yard.

The honours went to Le Patriote but not without a struggle as he looked to be in trouble in the back straight as Elixir De Nutz and Fast Buck seemed to be going better but responding to pressure from jockey Charlie Hammond he stayed on well and when Fast Buck fell at the second last fence he was able to cruise home.

Newland said: “I can’t fault his performance and his jumping was the difference.”

Tom Symonds said of his highlight International Hurdle Cheltenham winner, Song for Someone, who triumphed by a nose over the fast finishing Silver Streak, owned by Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings.

"He is a fabulous horse," said Symonds.

"The lack of hurdles (omitted due to low sun) was a problem because he loves jumping. That’s when he makes his ground, not on the flat, so I’m thrilled he has won another Grade two.”

Although the Cheltenham Festival gives Symonds enviable options he is inclined at this stage to bypass Cheltenham for Aintree which rider Aiden Coleman is in favour.

“I think the Champion Hurdle would be a bit sharp for him," he added.

"He would probably be better over a little further and maybe more of an Aintree horse”