LOCAL brothers Dan and Harry Skelton enjoyed a quick-fire double on Saturday night as Warwick Racecourse hosted their annual ‘Mardi Gras Party Night’ fixture.
The Alcester based partnership have endured great success at the county town track in recent months.
Even money favourite Benissimo started proceedings with a comfortable ten-length victory in the opening race of the evening.
The 7/1 double was then completed when Skelton guided 7/2 joint favourite Virgilo to an even more impressive win in the two miles and three furlongs handicap hurdle.
Virgilo was given a patient ride by Skelton when held up in the early stages. Quickening smoothly from two out Virgilo had the race in his pocket approaching the last and jumped well to land the feature race.
There was also joy for Many Clouds’ – horse of the year – jockey Leighton Aspell, who rode two winners on the night adding to his victory earlier in the week at Warwick on Bank Holiday Monday.
Aspell rode two winners for in form trainer Rebecca Curtis. Monkey Kingdom won the Novices’ Chase, beating odds on favourite Kayf Moss in the process, whilst Clancy’s Cross won the staying hurdle race.
Fancied runners Ashbrittle and Moorlands George were other runners to make the frame in the respective handicap races.
Warwick’s final meeting of the 2014/15 season takes place on May 20th. The first race takes place at 2.10pm with tickets available in advance from £13.50 (£15 on the day).
For more information on Warwick Racecourse, including how to book tickets for upcoming racedays, visit warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk.