A review of the action from Southwell

A review of the pick of the action from Southwell where conditional jockey Raymond O'Brien enjoyed a first success.

A new name emerged among the winners at Southwell on Thursday when conditional jockey Raymond O'Brien enjoyed a first success on Jonjo O'Neill's Vujiyama in the Connolly's Red Mills Novices' Handicap Chase.

An Irishman, O'Brien began his career in France where his father, Ray, is also a jockey, and was seen to very good effect on the 8-1 winner, who made all the running and put in some big leaps along the way.

"A lot of hard work in the mornings has paid off," said O'Brien.

"He jumps so well it made sense to let him enjoy it out in front, there was no point taking a pull. I was able to give him a breather on the bends then let him roll on the straights, I'd say this track suited him.

"That's my third ride and first winner, I've been with Jonjo a month and a half. The work they do there in the mornings is so professional, it's the best yard in the country.

"I didn't sit on a horse until I was 20. I went over to France to play soccer but my dad was a jockey and I just got the bug. I never thought I'd be a jockey but here we are.

"I've only got a 3lb claim left but the plan is to stay here."

Charlie Longsdon's Kalane (10-1) could be above average after she won the 32Red.com "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle on her British debut.

Her dam Fairy Lane is an unraced sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King.

"We've always liked her but she had a ligament injury when she arrived from France so we wanted to start her on softer ground," said Longsdon on At The Races.

"We took a chance and I'm glad we did.

"I just hope she's OK in the morning now. She could be OK as Noel (Fehily) said when a few of the lads pulled up they said it rode a good race."