Richards' Jack guns to Carlisle success

Nicky Richards enjoyed a good start to the afternoon when sending out Gunner Jack to capture the Northern Racing Club Novices’ Hurdle at Carlisle.

Winner of an Ayr bumper on his only previous start in March, the Trevor Hemmings-owned five-year-old was sent off the 7-4 favourite to score on his debut over timber.

Bywell Beau opened up a yawning gap heading out on the second circuit but Tony Dobbin made steady headway on Richards’ charge as the field climbed the hill at the back of the course, and the pair took the lead turning for home.

Gunner Jack then coasted to the line and beat Mr Preacher Man by 10 lengths with Bywell Beau clinging onto third a further seven lengths away.

Richards said: “You couldn’t fault that. He has run twice and won twice very nicely. He does everything you would want of him at home and we will get him educated up north and see where we are with him in the spring.”