BANG AND BLAME'S love affair with Sedgefield gathered yet more momentum at the track yesterday when the ten-year-old gelding notched a third track success.

Mick Easterby's ten-year-old was sent straight into the lead by his regular jockey, amateur Michael McAlister, who made sure the partnership never saw another rival as they coasted home in splendid isolation to record a stunning 20 length win.

Knowing the three-mile-and-three-furlong trip on a rain-sodden surface held no fears for Bang And Blame, McAlister's positive tactics proved spot-on in the feature event on the card, the Ramside Catering Handicap Chase.

"He likes it here, although that was a pleasant surprise after the handicapper had put him up 15lbs for his latest win," explained triumphant owner, Edward Wilkin.

The ground became progressively churned up as the afternoon went on making the job of mud-larks such as Ile Maurice considerably easier.

Ferdy Murphy's six-year-old was backed down to odds-on favouritism for the Mares' Only Novices' Hurdle, and she didn't let her supporters down by scooting well clear in the latter stages of the contest.

"She's a tough little sort and a relentless galloper. It can't get deep enough for her and she'll stay three miles no problem. Ile Maurice is from a top French family and will make a smashing brood mare one day," said Murphy.

Newcastle based permit holder, Ann Hamilton, improved an already excellent 29per cent strike-rate at the course when Silver Sedge ran out the cosy winner of the opening two-mile Novices' Chase.

Jockey Peter Buchanan was in no hurry to make his move, in fact he still had five horses to overtake when jumping the second last fence, but his confidence was not misplaced as Silver Sedge motored past his rivals once given the office.

"He over-jumped and fell at the first on his only other start over fences. Peter reckons he ideally wants two-and-a-half miles, however his full-brother won ten times over two miles and I think this is his trip," reported Ann's husband, Ian Hamilton, the owner of Silver Sedge.

Kelso-based Sandy Foster's Star Trooper ended a diabolical losing run stretching back 30 starts by claiming the John Wade Selling Handicap Hurdle.

Star Trooper's task seemed nigh on possible having been scrubbed along with a circuit to go, nevertheless he stuck to his guns under a strong drive by Tom Messenger and cut down the long-time leader, Munaawesh, 20 yards from the line.

The local bookmakers went home minus a fair few quid when in worsening light 3-1 market leader, Joe Brown, hung on grimly to take the closing John Smith's Handicap Hurdle.

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