Lake View Lad made his first start in Isle of Man owner Trevor Hemmings’ colours a winning one in the BetVictor Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle this afternoon.

The eight-year-old had popular jockey Henry Brooke on board.

Trainer Nick Alexander said: ’He’s a smashing horse. I wasn’t worried about stamina, but I was concerned I hadn’t got a run into him.

’I was concerned, because he hadn’t run since April. I wanted to run at the first meeting here, but the ground was so fast’.

He added: ’It’s a nice way to start for Trevor [Hemmings] anyway – and he’s still a young horse.’

Mr Hemmings, who is based in the north of the island, has had four winners and a string of placed runners in the last fortnight, including victory for Vintage Clouds last Saturday in an important race at Haydock.

Mr Hemmings has owned three winners of the Aintree Grand National - Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds.Today's victory was shown live on the main ITV channel and the presenters, including retired former champion jockey Tony McCoy, sent their best wishes to Mr Hemmings and said they hoped he enjoyed his victory with Lake View Lad.Mr Hemmings has previously told Isle of Man Newspapers of his passion for the National Hunt jumps racing.