The veteran hurdler Drakestone confirmed his liking for the Hereford track when he scored for the second meeting running last week in the two mile one furlong Handicap hurdle, writes GRAHAM SAVEKER.

Partnered by amateur, Sam Thomas, who is attached to Venetia Williams' yard, Drakestone was always at the head of the seven-runner field and, despite being headed at the second last flight, the partnership battled on well to score by a head from Hamadeenah.

Owner/trainer Reg Brown, from Abergavenny, explained that in the past Drakestone, who has had his share of leg trouble, would need a longer trip to be successful but was quick to praise his young amateur jockey for the win.

Another local trainer to visit the winners' enclosure was Richard Price when his Thunderpoint scored a surprise success in the two mile three furlong Handicap Chase in the hands of Alan O'Keefe.

Virtually unfancied in the betting at 12/1 despite finishing runner-up at Uttoxeter last time out, Thunderpoint swept into the lead approaching the final fence to score comfortably by four lengths from Flash Gordon.

The Martin Pipe trained Lirfox followed up her win at the previous meeting with another stroll in the two mile novices chase ridden by Tony McCoy.

McCoy soon had his mount clear of his nine rivals and they came home easy 22 length winners and this was a double for McCoy as he had earlier scored on the Peter Bowen trained Jollyolly in a novice hurdle.