THE opening fixture of Hereford Racecourse’s new national hunt season took place on Monday and racegoers were able to cheers a local winner when the Eastnor based Matt Shepherd trained Moodofthemoment triumphed in the two-mile five-furlong handicap chase.

Partnered by jockey Stan Shephard the seven-year-old Moodofthemoment  had not won since a point to point win two years ago and three recent second places seemed to show his resolve was in question.

However, in the 10-runner race he was ridden with confidence and challenged travelling sweetly at the second last fence before recording a length and a quarter win over runner-up Lost Connections from the yard of Katy Price, at 17/2.

 “I questioned his resolve last time but up in trip suited him and I had faith in him,” said Shephard. “A shorter run-in has suited him.”

Delighted father and winning trainer Matt Sheppard commented: “As usual great to have a local winner, the horse is a little tricky but Stan was cool and delivered.”   

The two-mile Junior National Hunt Maiden hurdle saw an interesting challenger from Ireland , with Aotano sent from the County Antrim yard of trainer Stuart Crawford and he repaid the trainer’s faith with a tenacious head victory over Tashan.

Despite showing signs of greenness Aotano, the half-brother to a French Group winner on the flat, quickened up well for jockey Daryl Jacob and the winner and runner-up finished four-and-a-half lengths clear of third placed Lenjoleur De Palma, giving Grand National-winning rider Jacob his first winner of the season.

The 41-year-old Jacob returned from a broken collarbone and shoulder surgery he had sustained in a fall at Newbury back in March, at the start of the month and commented:

“This’ll definitely be my last season, so I’m just going to enjoy it,” Jacob told reporters after scoring on his seventh ride back.

Jacob stressed he will spend the majority of the jumping season in Ireland going forward and thanked the support he had received from Aotano’s owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, as well as their racing manager Anthony Bromley.

“This is my 11th year with Simon, Isaac and Anthony,” he added. “It’s an incredible relationship, incredible loyalty and my career wouldn't be half as good as it is if it wasn’t for them.”