Prolific winner Irilut provided the star turn at the Grafton Hunt meeting as Britain’s newest course at Whitfield, near Brackley, enjoyed a successful if somewhat soggy opening day.

The 13-year-old gelding, from Robert Waley-Cohen’s Edge Hill stables, near Banbury, put up a commanding display under the owner-trainer’s jockey-son, Sam, to land Sunday’s men’s open.

It was his 20th win between the flags, adding to two hunter chase successes.

Facing Reach For The Top, the adversary he had been locked together with going to the last fence at Ashorne on May Bank Holiday Monday before Ben Tuckey’s mount ran out, Irilut was booted into the lead at the fourth last before galloping home ten lengths clear of his old rival.

“What a great horse – he is a star,” said Robert Waley-Cohen. “He is still loving it at 13 – what more can you ask?” With spectator-friendly viewing, good ground and access, the new course – which was the brainchild of local farmer Martin Clarke – was well received.

After Hayley Turner, Flat racing’s top women’s jockey, and Racing Post editorial director Brough Scott officially opened the course, the honour of the first winner fell to owner-trainer Lady Annie Connell and rider Tim Lane with Exceptionnel in the members’ race.

A delighted Lady Connell, who trains at nearby Steane Park, said. “It is such a privilege to have the first winner.”

Rosemary Gasson’s Shutford stables, near Banbury, were also on the scoresheet when Jolly Boys Outing took the restricted in game fashion under Hannah Watson.