Fences now on agenda for Lesser after maintaining unbeaten record

Point-to-point winner Lesser extended his unbeaten record to three under rules, and chasing now beckons for the promising seven-year-old.

All went to plan as Lesser, owned by The C Level Partnership and ridden by Daniel Hiskett, eased 15 lengths clear of his closest rival Lanty Slea in the 2m5f novice hurdle.

Winning trainer Richard Phillips said: “He’s very much a galloper so we popped him out and let him go cruising speed and he just kept going.

“He’s built like a chaser, so he’ll maybe have one hurdle run after his summer break and then he’ll go chasing for the first time.”

Phillips has an impressive record at the track, winning with three of his five runners, and Lesser's victory made the six-hour journey from his Cotswolds yard worthwhile.

“It’s not an easy journey,” Phillips said, “but we were hunting for some soft ground. We make the journey when we have horses good enough to go up there and win. You don’t want to send something all that way with no chance.

“Last season was tricky for a lot of people in racing, but hopefully we have things to look forward to, with Lesser being a big part of that.”

Mance Rayder strikes back

Highland National runner-up Mance Rayder went one better in the 3m4f handicap chase under top weight.

The eight-year-old, who was beaten a length in the Perth race last month, scored under Danny McMenamin to give trainer Henry Hogarth his first Kelso winner.

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