A repeat success was thwarted by a narrow margin in the big race at Huntingdon last Saturday.

The Hunts Post: Casablance Mix and jockey Ned Curtis clear the final fence as they win the mares novices' chase at Huntingdon. Picture: STEVE DAVIESCasablance Mix and jockey Ned Curtis clear the final fence as they win the mares novices' chase at Huntingdon. Picture: STEVE DAVIES (Image: Steve Davies)

Irish raider Baby Jake, ridden by Rachael Blackmore for trainer John Joseph Hanlon, was pipped by a neck when attempting to win the Woodhurst Construction Lady Riders’ Handicap Hurdle for the second consecutive year.

The 3/1 favourite went down to Star Foot – a 7/1 shot ridden by Page Fuller for trainer Jo Davis – in a thrilling finish to the two-mile contest.

Blackmore and Hanlon did gain compensation little more than an hour later when Rare Legend took the three mile, one furlong Woodhurst Construction Handicap Hurdle at odds of 6/1.

Favourites obliged in four of the seven races that made up the annual Winter Ladies’ Day fixture.

Silver Kayf took the opening novices’ hurdle at 6/4 for jockey Mikey Hamill and trainer Kim Bailey before odds-on chance Casablanca Mix (8/11) was steered to success in the mares novices’ chase by Ned Curtis for trainer Nicky Henderson - both races run over two miles, three furlongs. Henderson then completed a double courtesy of 5/6 market leader French Crusader (Alan Doyle) in the closing bumper.

Clondaw Castle (Ciaran Gethings riding for Tom George) took the two-mile maiden hurdle at 6/5 and Compadre landed the two mile, four furlong handicap chase for Jonjo O’Neill under jockey Killian Moore.

Racing returns on Sunday, December 10 when Huntingdon stages its biggest meeting of the year. More than £125,000 in prize money is up for grabs on Betfred Peterborough Chase Day.