Peter Niven has high hopes for Sir Safir after he finally opened his account in the first division of the yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk Adventure Activities Maiden Hurdle at Catterick.

Having shown a modicum of promise in six previous starts in bumpers and over hurdles, he was sent off the 9-4 favourite to oblige.

As is his wont, jockey Brian Hughes coaxed him into contention while asking for as little effort as possible.

But when long-time leader Venue jumped into him he looked like coming off second best before rallying for a neck success.

"I really like this horse and he's going to be a lovely chaser," said Niven.

"I quite fancied him last time out but he was in against handicappers and they got him at it early.

"You won't see the best of him until he tackles a fence."

The second division was won by James Ewart's Aristo Du Plessis (7-5 favourite).

Sue Smith has endured a quiet month but French import De Vous A Mo (9-1) stayed on powerfully to win the catterickbridge.co.uk Novices' Handicap Chase for Jonathan England.

Fourth in a Grade One in France, he was thrown in off a mark of 102 having shown little in two previous outings in this country.

"He was asked a fair few questions as a young horse but he could be nice now he's filling out," said Smith's husband, Harvey.

The opening race saw Donald McCain's Nefyn Bay bring up a quickfire hat-trick in the racinguk.com Lady Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle.

Sent off the 5-4 favourite on the back of wins at Doncaster and Wetherby, Bridget Andrews did well to avoid a spot of trouble before winning comfortably by seven lengths.

"He's a grand horse, no star, but I wish I had a few more like him," said McCain.

"He enjoys his racing and we'll keep him on the go as he's tough and genuine."

Uno Valoroso jumped like a stag in winning the Easby Abbey Handicap Chase for trainer Mark Walford and jockey Tony Kelly.

"He was worse than moderate over hurdles, but he's won three over fences now and jumping is his main asset," Walford said of the 6-4 favourite, who claimed top honours by 12 lengths.

Harris was first past the post in the closing Racing Again 4th March Handicap Hurdle but the judge reversed the placings with narrow runner-up Allez Cool (7-2), which gave Hughes a double.