'Really nice prospect' Kingston James makes flying start to the autumn for Lucinda Russell

Lucinda Russell served notice that the season is about to get serious when Kingston James, her first jumps runner in October, made an impressive hurdling debut under Patrick Wadge.

The point-to-point and bumper winner was backed into 5-6 favourite for the 2m novice hurdle and scored by a comfortable five and a half lengths.

His dual Grand National-winning trainer admitted: "It's always worrying at this time of the year – you look at them in the paddock and think are they too fat or too thin? Have they done enough? But the work that's being done at home is great and it's nice to produce them like that.

"He's a really nice prospect. He'll need further than two miles and now that he's got that experience under his belt we might step him up in grade and see where we go.

"Patrick gave him a lovely ride and he didn't miss a hurdle. There was no reason for him not to win today and I was very pleased with him."

Kingston James races in the colours of Old Gold Racing, whose flagbearer Apple Away is being aimed at a big handicap after ending her first chasing season by landing a Listed mares' event at Perth in April.

Apple Away (right) fends off Instit to win at Perth for Old Gold RacingCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"She's lovely and she might go to Carlisle or somewhere, then she'll either go for what used to be the Hennessy or the Rehearsal Chase," Russell said.

Gambler's trip pays

Dual Fontwell winner Instant Gambler completed a hat-trick at the other end of England in the 3m novice handicap chase.

He made light of the 331-mile trip from Alex Dunn's Somerset yard to score by two and a quarter lengths under Richie McLernon. 

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