Ferdy Murphy got off the 13 mark for the season when Family Venture gamely won the John Hellens Beginners' Chase under a strong ride from Davy Russell at Sedgefield yesterday.

Khan Kicker was about a length in front at the final flight, but he landed a little awkwardly, giving Family Venture a chance and he got on top in the last few strides to score by half a length.

Ironically Khan Kicker, whose rider Tony Dobbin was cautioned for using his whip with excessive frequency, is now with Nicky Richards, having previously been trained by Murphy, for whom he won twice.

Murphy explained: "The horse went home at the end of last season and never came back. These things happen in racing, but there are plenty of horses to go round.

"We have a two-furlong circular gallop with two fences on a circuit, the horses go round ten times and that is like going 2 miles in a race.

"I think horses learn a lot more than the conventional way of schooling, jumping three fences in a row then back to the start and do it again - and our horses are jumping better for it."

Of Family Venture, he added: "I tried to buy him privately but eventually got him at the Doncaster Sales. He will improve and we will probably step him up to three miles now."

However, the Murphy team was beaten by a former inmate of the stable when Highland Tracker, ridden by Richard Hobson and having his first run since May 26, 2001, won the Gill And Punter Handicap Hurdle with the West Witton trainer's Ragu, who started 5-2 favourite, only fifth.

Highland Tracker, 28-1, was having his first run for trainer Mandy Rowland, who is based at Lower Bidworth, near Nottingham, and who was saddling her first winner for almost six years.

Richmond-based Muriel Naughton sent out Just Stronge, who carries the colours of Harrogate owner Judy Thompson, to win the Saltwell Signs Handicap Chase in the hands of Mark Bradburne.

Mrs Naughton said: "Just Stronge has been a bit frustrating. He is a good jumper but became a bit cautious after a fall at Southwell. He gets a bit bored in his races and can drop himself out, but this is the first time he has run here and perhaps that helped."

Conditional jockey Gino Carenza was seen to good effect as he got the Mick Easterby-trained 5-2 chance Moonlit Harbour up in the last stride to beat the odds-on Cumbrian Knight by a short head in the EBF Novices' Hurdle.

Conditional jockey Dominic Elsworth gained his first success for Tim Easterby on his second ride for the Great Habton trainer when County Classic caught Fairy Skin Maker close home in the bumper.

Actor Robson Green was present to see the Billy McKeown-trained Magic Hour, who he owns in partnership with his uncle, run in the race but he was unplaced.

Millkom Elegance, trained at Malton for the 30 strong Yorkshire Racing Club 1V by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Andrew Tinkler came out best in the John Wade Skip Hire Selling Handicap Hurdle after which the filly was retained without a bid