Newbury Saturday

THE Grade 2 British EBF “National Hunt” Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle was the feature contest at Newbury last Saturday and a decision to bypass Cheltenham paid dividends for Alan King as his Charisma Cat - racing in the colours of Annabel Waley-Cohen, wife of Grand National-winning jockey Sam - won the limited handicap in fine style to cap a successful first season over hurdles for the daughter of Nathaniel.