WINNER: Moonlight Glory storms to victory

It’s a second winner of 2023 for Ursa Major as Moonlight Glory battled back from injury to take a Newcastle handicap hurdle in style.

The gutsy mare, who has finished second three times in the Battenbergs, pulled clear of her rivals after the last on Eider day to win by a going-away three and a quarter lengths.

It is the culmination of a tough year for the brilliant buy from Ireland. She made a superb Ursa debut at Hexham in March last year during Cheltenham week, finishing second at double figure odds.

She finished second again before picking up an injury and trainer Mark Walford has nursed her back expertly, allowing her to find her confidence again.

She dropped into claiming company last time, finishing a narrow second, which did the trick in boosting her confidence and she saw off all comers today to win in style under a terrific ride from Tom Midgely.

Craig Talbot, Racing Manager, said: “This is really special one actually and I want to say thank you to some terrific patient owners who have given her the time needed.

“She has needed a few runs to build her confidence back and they have been repaid in style today with a big win on Eider day.

“She won going away to be honest and looks like she could well improve again, but she has won her race and I am delighted for everyone.”

It was also a big day for Mark, with his 24th winner of this jumps season - a personal best figure.

He said: “She has come out of it really well and was hardly blowing back in the stables. She enjoyed that and I am so pleased for everyone.”