Amir lands a blow for Garnett

A thrilling renewal of the Wensley Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle helped lift the Catterick gloom, with Amir Pasha providing Matt Garnett with his first success under Rules.

Oscar Trial led between the last two flights and, after being headed by Amir Pasha (9-1) on the run-in, the former rallied gamely but failed by a short head to get back up.

Garnett works for winning trainer Micky Hammond, who said: "That was a bit too close for comfort for my liking.

"I thought we were going to win halfway up the run-in but I thought we were beaten on the line.

"Matt is a hardworking lad and he deserved this first success."

Jim Tango, sporting the maroon and yellow colours made famous by the legendary Red Rum, gained his first success at the seventh jumps attempt in the Buy Your 2010 Annual Badge Today Maiden Chase.

Trained by Donald McCain for his mother Beryl, the 9-4 joint-favourite made all of the running in first-time blinkers under Jason Maguire.

Well in command some way out, Jim Tango passed the post with eight lengths to spare over market rival Spellchecker.

Maguire said: "He had run well at Taunton when amateur-ridden and he liked the sharp track here.

"He jumped well all the way round and the blinkers helped, but I wouldn't get too excited."