Landmark win for Henderson

Nicky Henderson secured his first-ever seasonal century as Horseford Hill took the opening Towcester Racecourse Ladies Evening 29th May Maiden Hurdle today.

Sent off the 11-10 market-leader in the hands of Felix De Giles, the five-year-old travelled powerfully into the straight with his rider still tightly on the reins running to the second-last.

He was less than convincing at the final obstacle, but was coaxed to the front and passed the post a cosy half-length ahead of Russian Epic.

Henderson, 58, has held a licence since 1978, being crowned champion trainer for two successive seasons in the 1980s.

The Seven Barrows handler has trained over 1000 winners in his career and victory for Punjabi - like today's winner owned by Raymond Tooth - in last month's Champion Hurdle was one of three victories for the trainer at this year's Festival.