It was a wholly Welsh affair as Kerry Lee’s Nemean Lion landed the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow on Sunday.
Kerry Lee trains in Presteigne, near the border with England and has already enjoyed big race success with Nemean Lion, who won the Grade 2 Premier Novices Hurdle at Kelso in early March.
He was always travelling strongly in the Welsh Champion Hurdle for regular jockey Richard Patrick and took the lead after the third-last flight. The six-year-old kept on well to hold off the late charge of Anyharminasking, with Fiveonefive back in third.
In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Lee said: "One thing I must say is it's the Welsh Champion Hurdle, ridden by a Welsh jockey and shod by a Welsh farrier, that's really very pleasing.
"We went up to Ayr for the Scottish Champion Hurdle last season but had to turn back home again because the ground was much too quick, because this is the kind of ground we need.
"All credit to Richard for doing a lot of work with him at home. It took a lot of time for the penny to drop.
"We got away with it a bit as a novice, but I didn't think we'd get away with it stepping up into this season, that's why I really wanted to come here before the Greatwood or anything like that, because a smaller field gave him more time.
"We'll have to see what the handicapper does and what the ground is like, because we have Black Poppy who likes fast ground and this one who doesn't."
Jockey Richard Patrick said: "It was very smooth. I thought early doors I was doing too much and tried to switch in and get some cover and he did switch off nicely.
"For a horse that can make some jumping mistakes, he was A1 today. We've done a lot of work at home but fair play to Kerry, it's her first runner of the season and to come out and win a race like that is very impressive.
"I think he just loves this game. I ride him a lot when I go into Kerry's and the more graft you give him, the better – he's just got a great attitude.
"It's nice to see him take the next step from his novice season last year, so hopefully we can have a lot more fun."
