EASTNOR trainer Matt Sheppard did not take long to record his first winner of the 2008/9 jumps campaign. And he did it at his local racecourse too.

Top Dawn, who is ridden by his 67-year-old owner Will Gaskins regularly in the mornings, took the Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale Handicap Chase on Wye Valley Brewery raceday last week.

Just four days before his racecourse triumph, the horse - along with his owner - had been taking part in the Ledbury Hunt hunter trials.

Venetia Williams took just a day longer to put a winner on the board for the new season, Nice Try triumphing at Bangor-on-Dee races.

Michael Scudamore jnr, who has taken over the training licence from his grandfather at the family's Bromsash yard, was still waiting for his first winner earlier this week, but with the number of horses running at the moment it won't be long until they have a reason to celebrate.

Little Marcle trainer Kevin Morgan also had a runner at Hereford's seasonal opener. Lannacombe Clover finished an encouraging second in the 'bumper' which was sponsored by the Barrels pub on St Owen Street.

The first major National Hunt race of the season is the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock Park on Saturday. Herefordshire trainer Richard Lee has entered Iffy, while Venetia Williams has a couple of horses from which to choose in what is always a very open race.

The next fixture at Hereford Racecourse is Ladies' Day - supported by Heros Racehorse Rehoming - on Sunday, June 22.

It will be a very significant day for me because it will be my first meeting as clerk of the course, a responsibility that I have now added to managing the racecourse.

*The next racing at Hereford Racecourse is Ladies' Day on Sunday, June 22. Grandstand admission is £17. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.