WETHERBY chiefs were delighted after their revamped track was given the thumbs-up from trainers and jockeys following the first day of action in the new season.

More than £50,000 had been spent on summer remedial work to improve conditions, following difficulties going back to a realignment of the surface after a widening of the nearby A1.

In the aftermath, the track had been subject to criticism and chief executive Jonjo Sanderson, and his team, had worked hard to address concerns and the turf.

They also had to replace a fence a couple of weeks ago after vandals got onto the course and destroyed the first steeplechase obstacle on the home straight.

It was riding good to firm yesterday and Sanderson said he had been given positive feedback so far.

“I have spoken to Dougie Costello and to ‘Choc’ Thornton, who said it was lovely ground with plenty of grass. The feedback has been positive so it is fingers crossed,” he said.

“We have done everything we can do and we will do it again next year. At least we are moving in the right direction and we are looking forward to the next meeting.”

West Witton-based trainer Ferdy Murphy, who had been one of the most vocal critics of the track, said jockey Keith Mercer, who rode Pistol Basc for Murphy in the Get Discounts Online At wetherbyracing-co.uk Chase, had also been impressed.

“He said there had been a massive improvement on last year,” Murphy said. “They are not out of the woods yet but they have done brilliantly.”

There was a concern in the feature race, the £15,000 skybet.com Supporting Spinal Research Bobby Renton Chase, when the victor – Striking Article – pulled up lame following the two miles, four furlongs contest, but happily for County Durham trainer Howard Johnson, it turned out to be a cut leg.

Johnson said: “He must have rapped it (his leg). You would have thought his leg had dropped off but he has done it well and jumped. When he’s fresh he is great. If you catch him on his day he is all right. We will give him at least four weeks.”

Teesside trainer Chris Grant celebrated his 53rd birthday in fine style as Ravati smashed the field in division one of the Rachel Wright Memorial Hurdle.

The three-year-old (15-8) was given a positive ride and jockey Lucy Horner, who was brought down on the horse on his last run at Sedgefield, was much happier as Ravati stretched away to a six-length win over odds-on favourite Classic Contours.

North Yorkshire-based rider Oliver Grenall, pictured above in orange in centre, had an easy win on Kickahead in the totesport Supports Spinal Research Hurdle. The 5-4 shot won practically on the bridle with Elaala two and a half lengths behind.