Jimmy joy for Morrison

Gentleman Jimmy caused a turn-up in the opening contest at a rain-soaked Wincanton this afternoon.

While his main rivals were appearing to struggle in the soft conditions, the 25-1 chance relished the test and stayed on well under Jim Crowley to take the Elite Maiden Hurdle by four lengths from the frontrunning Rapscallion.

The Hughie Morrison-trained winner was disappointing on his hurdling debut but given a break since, showed the sort of form he had appeared capable of when winning a National Hunt Flat race at Taunton first time out this season.

“He is a nephew of Desert Orchid and named after his late part-owner, Jimmy Burridge,” said the winning trainer. “Two of his sons, Simon and Johnny, are part-owners of this horse so there is a nice link.

“He had sore shins after his run at Windsor and he doesn’t always show a lot at home but he has the ability and he must have appreciated this ground.”