HEXHAM was ticked off the list of a national challenge to walk round all 60 racecourses in Britain.

Richard Farquhar is aiming to raise £1.4m for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare by ‘Walking the Courses’, covering a staggering distance of 2,750 miles in the 13-month challenge.

He received a warm welcome at Yarridge Heights as it hosted its Youngs RPS National Hunt meeting, joined on his walk around the track by jockeys Tom Scudamore, Richie McLernon and Aidan Coleman.

Richard was able to take in another exciting fixture at Hexham, the course baked in a day of unexpected November sunshine.

There was a sensational double for conditional jockey Daragh Bourke as he marked a return to racing following a six month man.

His licence was only confirmed on the morning of the meeting and he wasted no time in the opening race on Harry’s Whim (7/1) trained by Maurice Barnes at Brampton.

He followed it up with another victory in the third race, named in recognition of Richard Farquhar’s efforts, again on a Maurice Barnes horse when triumphant by nine lengths on Quick Brew (5/2).

Hexham regular What A Steel (15/8fav.), trained by Alistair Whillans and ridden by Craig Nichol, claimed success in the Racing Welfare Selling Hurdle as he staved off the attention of Sean Airgead (9/4) and Teochew (8/1) in a three horse race.

Leading trainer David Pipe made a rare visit from his Somerset base bu the 700 mile round trip proved worthwhile when Skylander, making a chasing debut, justified 6/4 favouritism in the Marquis of Granby and Gordon Scorer Novices Limited Handicap Chase.

Under the guidance of leading jockey Tom Scudamore, Skylander made progress down the back straight and up the final hill going clear to finish strongly in the run-in to record a seven length victory.

Pipe was denied a quick fire double as top weight Willen (5/1), again ridden by Scudamore, was beaten by three quarters of a length by bottom weight Miss Macnamara (4/1) trained by Martin Todhunter at Penrith and ridden by Henry Brooke.

The penultimate race attracted just four runners and, despite hitting the last fence, Irish raider Mia‘s Anthem (11/8fav.), trained by Noel C. Kelly and ridden by Derek Fox, won by eight lengths.

There was local success in the final race on the card as Hexham trainer Sheen Walton saw Native Optimist (5/2fav.), ridden by Catherine Walton, go clear from three out to gain victory by an impressive 35 lengths.

Racing returns to Yarridge Heights on Saturday with one of the feature meetings of the year, the popular Intu Metrocentre and Intu Eldon Square fixture.

Feature races include the Intu Metrocentre Always A Winner Novices’ Handicap Chase at 2.45pm, and the Intu Eldon Square Alive After Five Handicap Hurdle at 4.10pm.

The two courtesy coaches will leave Hexham bus station at 12.38pm and the railway station at 12.45pm.