HISTORY repeated itself in more ways than one last Saturday. Just as Chepstow had sweated on the weather relenting to allow a rescheduled Coral Welsh Grand National to take place, so Warwick needed no more rain before the featured Betfred Classic Chase.

Not only did the two meetings go ahead, but rookie trainer Kerry Lee took both marathons, 20/1 chance Russe Blanc following up Mountainous’ triumph the week before.

In this sort of ground the ability to jump round and keep galloping at a steady pace is all important. Nursed along a little way off the pace by Charlie Poste, Russe Blanc was well in contention on the final circuit and made the best of his way home from the 16th.

He pecked at the penultimate fence but was always holding runner-up Midnight Prayer and had nearly four lengths to spare at the line. Mouse Morris’ Dromnea ran well all the way but was a long way adrift in third at the line, with Houblon Des Obeaux keeping on strongly enough in fourth to suggest that blinkers or cheekpieces might have encouraged him to pick up earlier in the contest. Vivaldi Collonges was the only other finisher.

Mountainous had won the Welsh National in 2013 and looked to be coming into form on his previous outing at Sandown this time around.

By contrast, Russe Blanc had finished last of five (though not beaten all that far) at Bangor and most form students dismissed him rather too readily last week. His previous second at Newbury stood careful scrutiny.

He did well here, having suffered interference when first Algernon Pazham and then Rigadin De Beauchene came down, but his task was made easier when De Kerry Man and Loose Chips dropped away on the far side.

Poste had to contend with a slipping saddle three out, but was back in full control soon afterwards and coaxed an excellent leap from Russe Blanc at the last, effectively settling the issue. Poste has done well for the stable, having won the Welsh National on Le Beau Bai for Richard Lee, Kerry’s father, in 2011.

Kerry, who took over the Herefordshire yard last summer, was saddling only her 23rd runner but everything has fallen into place very quickly.

“We’ve a happy team and happy horses and it all starts from there,” she said. “Our strong point is the trainer’s skill in managing expectations!”

Be that as it may, she has made a hugely successful start to her career and can expect more horses to arrive if the hot streak continues. As for Mountainous and Russe Blanc, better spring ground will no doubt make things much harder for them – not that connections will mind at all. Winning owner Mark Jackson picked up more than £34,000 for last week’s clear-cut success.