Miss hit for Lee

Graham Lee made the late switch from Newcastle to Haydock pay instant dividends when taking the opener in the gloom on Naiad Du Misselot.

Lee did have a full book of seven rides at Gosforth Park but when that was called off he dashed across the Pennines and duly took the Central Sports Health & Fitness Qualifications Handicap Hurdle on Ferdy Murphy’s 11-1 shot.

The six-year-old was 7lb out of the handicap but it made no difference as a good jump at the final flight took him into the lead.

He went on to score in good style by four lengths from Regal Heights, with According To Pete a short-head back in third.

“We were going to put Michael (O’Connell) on to take 5lb off as he was 7lb wrong,” said Murphy.

“We went to Aintree and ran him over three miles, but Graham said two and a half would be ideal for him so we dropped him back in trip.

“He’s bred as a chaser and he jumps fences brilliantly at home. He’s one to look forward to and he’s got a bit of class.”