'The horses seem to run well here' - Forest Blaze bolsters Mark Walford's impressive track record

Forest Blaze: won at Hexham on WednesdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Mark Walford enhanced his fine recent record at the track when Forest Blaze gamely landed the opening 2m4f handicap hurdle.

The five-year-old had been winless in his five starts but battled to a length-and-a-quarter success under Jamie Hamilton. It took Walford's strike-rate at the Northumberland venue to an impressive 24 per cent over the last five seasons.

"They do seem to run well there," Walford said. "The horses hadn't been in the best of form for a couple of months but we had a winner at Musselburgh and now this lad followed up, so we hope the corner is turning and they continue to run well.

"I was really pleased with Forest Blaze as we've always thought he'd be a nice horse. We were very happy with his run over two miles last time as we expected the step up in trip to really suit. He's got a couple of entries in the next few days, but I'm not sure if he'll take them up as he's got the job done now."

Hamilton doubled up on the Rebecca Menzies-trained Joecooker in the second division of the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

Notable landmark

Philip Hobbs and Johnson White enjoyed their first Hexham winner with a joint-licence when Not A Light took the opening division of the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

The seven-year-old made the long trip from Somerset worthwhile with a four-length success under Callum Pritchard.

Welcome winner

George Bewley saddled his first winner since July when Robert D'Ores landed the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.