Photo and report by Finley Wilkinson

Wincanton ‌looked ‌every ‌bit the wintry spot on Thursday, with rain drenching everything and the ground turning mushy. Somerset’s hills took hit after hit from those showers, yet folks poured in, bundled in raincoats buttoned high, umbrellas battling wild winds.

Major Fortune took ‌charge right from the start in the Flaked Oats Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase: Harry Skelton aboard, Dan Skelton training, the horse mastered that soggy ground to kick things off.

Then came the Oddschecker Free Bets Maiden Hurdles, divided into a pair over 1m7f. Gaelic Pride, the hot favourite, pushed hard, Sean Bowen urged him on for Warren Greatrex to snag the win. In the second split, Sinchi Roca shone. Callum Pritchard steering for Syd Hosie, glided along, fending off Wolf Walker, a hurdler showing real promise for the notebook.

Handicaps fired up at 1:52 in the Get The Best Odds With Oddschecker Handicap Hurdle, where Mr Zee loved every bit of that soft turf, Harry Reed easing him along for Michael Blake. He cruised up smoothly before pulling away with gas still in the tank.

Lucky Bere kept up the pattern of tough closes in the 2:27 Bet Smarter With Oddschecker+ Handicap Hurdle; Harry Cobden coaxed him past rough spots for Kayley Woollacott, before he surged clear beyond the last over 2m3f.

Endurance faced a true test in the 3:02 Oddschecker Cheltenham Free Bets Handicap Hurdle, Champagne Chic battled gamely down the home stretch, Lorcan Williams riding for Jamie Scott, and claimed a win that suggests bigger things ahead at such distances.

The Somerset National Handicap Chase at 3:37 brought the day’s standout stamina show as Rivers Corner cruised powerfully for Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell, unyielding across 3m2f on heavy going. Isaac Des Obeaux chased hard into second, yet couldn’t touch the leader.

Trojan Tale wrapped up nicely in the 4:10 Oddschecker+ Newcomers National Hunt Flat Race. Jack Tudor drove him forward for Dan Horsford.

Come the finish, rain gear proved its worth, boots caked heavily with sludge. Wincanton pushed through anyway, serving up straightforward, gritty jumps action from start to end.