ROOKIE trainer Sharon Watt, who was recently granted a public licence to train, celebrated in style by taking the totesport.com Handicap Chase with Now Then Sid at Sedgefield yesterday.

Thrown in at weights on his hurdles' form, Now Then Sid had previously been a bitter disappointment over fences and as a consequence plunged down the ratings to winning weight.

"He's very quirky and has taken time to get his jumping together," said Brompton-on-Swale-based Watt, a former international equestrian rider. who made a recovery after breaking her back in an eventing accident.

Quadruple Grand National winning handler, Ginger McCain, was on the mark at a much lower level when Reem Two finally opened her account.

Reem Two - a well-bred filly by Eclipse hero, Mtoto - had hit both posts and the crossbar in pursuit of an all-important first success. But having found the frame on three of her last four starts, she made no mistake in the John Smith's Mares Only Novices' Hurdle.

After winging the final flight in virtual unison, it was a rare old tussle between the winner and Irish raider, Miss Kilkeel. However, McCain's four-year-old found the superior turn of foot to land the two-mile-and one-furlong contest.

"We schooled her yesterday and she didn't jump a twig so we were a bit worried, however she done it now so that's that," said McCain about his bargain basement purchase bought for just £1100.

Oh So Brave certainly lived up to his name with a hard-fought victory in the Beginners Chase.

The 13-8 favourite looked well beaten when coming under the cosh throughout the final circuit, especially as the well-backed Brave Effect breezed into what seemed an unassailable lead just four fences from the finish.

Oh So Brave's task appeared to be even more insurmountable as he blundered at the final obstacle, but rallying in tremendously resolute fashion the valiant grey forged ahead in the shadow of the post.

"He's tough and loves this place, that's the third race he's won and summer jumping has been a godsend for this horse," explained trainer, Evan Williams.

Nearby Rushyford Permit Holder Eric Elliott, who combines training with his day-to-day profession as a barrister, wasn't on hand to see his gelding Two Steps To Go nab the John Wade Selling Handicap Hurdle.

Two Steps To Go, sold at the subsequent auction for 7,000 guineas, travelled easily on the heels of the leaders and when asked to quicken, by jockey Tom O'Brien, soon pulled clear of his one-paced rivals.

Richard Guest's purple patch shows no sign of abating seeing as his handsome dark bay inmate, Beaugency, romped away with the Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle under a confident drive from William Kennedy.

Beaugency, successful over fences at Market Rasen nine days ago, proved his versatility by switching back to timber in effortless mode.

"He doesn't get a penalty for this so we'll find another hurdle for him in the near future," reported Guest, still fuming about his horse being put up 8lbs for the Market Rasen success..

Champion jockey Tony McCoy was out of luck when his only two of mounts at the meeting, Maidstone Monument and Graffitti Tongue, were soundly beaten in their respective events.

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