Paddy rallies bravely to take Berkshire Winter Million opener

Derryhassen Paddy maintained his unbeaten record after a pulsating climax to the curtain-raising Fitzdares Berkshire Winter Million Novices’ Hurdle at Windsor.

Five runners went to post for the opening race of the three-day Berkshire Winter Million, with Lucinda Russell’s Scottish raider Derryhassen Paddy the 2-1 favourite to add to previous victories under rules in a bumper at Ayr and a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter.

Craig Nichol’s mount raced on the speed throughout the three-mile contest and after seeing off the persistent challenge of Dameofthecotswolds, Honky Tonk Highway emerged as the biggest threat at the top of the home straight and briefly poked her head in front under Harry Skelton.

However, Derryhassen Paddy battled back bravely and after a minor barging match on the run-in, the pair flashed by the post almost as one before the judge confirmed Russell’s runner the winner by a nose.

Nichol, riding at Windsor for the first time, told Sky Sports Racing: “He showed a lot of guts, which I liked, and when I ran the track earlier, I thought it might be a bit sharp for him as he’s a lovely, big, galloping horse.

“When I missed the last, I was a bit concerned, but he stuck his head down and dug deep and actually got bumped a couple of times up the run-in. His attitude was absolutely spot-on today.

“When he goes chasing next season, he’ll be a better horse again. I said to Lucinda I can’t wait to ride him over a fence. He’s almost too big and hurdles get in his way a little bit, but he’s an exciting horse for the future.

“Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore) have been very bullish about him ever since I went up and schooled him and rode him and he’s backed that up for everyone today.”

Russell added: “He’s an absolute beast – he’s a lovely, lovely horse. He’s almost a little bit slow at his hurdling, but he’ll be better over fences next year.”

Warren Greatrex is eyeing a trip to the Cheltenham Festival with Herakles Westwood after he also rewarded favourite backers in the Fitzdares Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

The race changed complexion when the pacesetting Myretown took a crashing fall three fences from home, leaving Deafening Silence in front before a spring-heeled leap from Herakles Westwood at the following obstacle propelled him into the lead.

The 13-8 shot was in the clear approaching the last and skipped over it to seal a comfortable three-and-a-quarter-length verdict in the hands of James Bowen.

Greatrex said: “He’s improving all the time and he’s a very likeable horse who jumps very well and stays well – there’s a lot to like.

“I’d quite like to have a crack at the National Hunt Chase, which is now a novice handicap over three-mile-five. He will get any trip and his jumping is so good and that is the sort of race I’ve been thinking of for a while.”

Panic Attack fairly bolted up in the Lets Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares’ Handicap Chase for Dan and Harry Skelton.

Following previous spells with Willie Mullins and latterly David Pipe, the nine-year-old returned from 649 days off the track to debut for the Skelton team last month, finishing third on her Ludlow comeback and again at Newbury over the Christmas period.

She was well fancied to go a couple of places better as the 15-8 favourite and duly obliged, cruising to a five-length victory over Mayhem Mya.

“She won well in the end and got the job done really nicely. It’s hard work out there in that ground,” said Harry Skelton.

Hasthing emerged victorious in the concluding Berkshire Winter Million Supports Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase.

Trained by Jonjo and AJ O’Neill, and ridden by Jonjo jnr, the JP McManus-owned gelding was the 6-4 favourite to follow up his course victory of a month ago.

In an incident-packed race which saw both Carbon King and Red Rookie suffer heavy falls, Hasthing overcame trouble in running to win going away by three and a half lengths.