Moonlight finishes second in super Ursa debut

Moonlight Glory made a sensational start to life in the Battenbergs as she finished second at Hexham.

The seven-year-old mare, who was bought in a private deal from Ireland by Racing Manager Craig Talbot ran an absolute blinder in the 2m4f chase.

Trained by Mark Walford and ridden by Jamie Hamilton, she jumped beautifully and looked to hold every chance until the final half furlong, when the well handicapped Croagh Patrick asserted.

She was only seen off by one and three quarter lengths on ground she hasn’t previously shown her best on, so hopes are high she can go one better before her summer break.

Rider Jamie said: “She can jump and she’s very clever as well. Half way round I was thinking she didn’t like the ground but she’s got some run around and we went a real good gallop.

“I gave her a chance and she came home really well. If I had gone after her down the hill she wouldn’t have come home as strongly as she did.

“She’s just bumped into a well handicapped horse here but she has run with loads of promise, she will come on for that and she’s jumped superbly.

“We will have fun with her this spring.”

Trainer Mark Walford added: “I am delighted. She did need it a touch but not as much as I was expecting. Just delighted with her. The winner was well handicapped and she can come back here. If she’s in good form we will keep going with her until the ground really gets dry.”