THE TWO-DAY Unibet Jump Season Opener at Chepstow offered a thrilling start to the National Hunt season, packed with exciting races and memorable moments both on and off the track. 

On Friday, the action kicked off with a charity race, where Pachacuti narrowly beat Lusaka in a photo finish. The atmosphere quickly built up with Ben Solo winning the first official race of the season, the Century Racing Club Free Horse Giveaway Novices' Hurdle. Palacio impressed by securing a win in the second division of the Novices' Hurdle, and Rockstown Girl stormed home in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle.  

The headline race of the day, the Unibet Persian War Novices' Hurdle, saw Flying Fortune live up to expectations with a strong finish. The day ended on a high note as Copperhead dominated the Veterans' Handicap Chase, proving too powerful for his rivals. 

Off-track, Friday's festivities included a lively Oktoberfest celebration with an Oompah band setting the tone for an enjoyable afternoon in the Bierfest Marquee.  

Saturday brought an even bigger turnout, with over 3,000 students arriving for the Races Day Party in the dedicated Student Zone, adding youthful energy to the racecourse.

The racing kicked off with My Noble Lord comfortably winning the Champion Equestrian Juvenile Hurdle. Dodger Long then claimed the Jumpers To Follow 4-Y-O Hurdle in convincing fashion. Later, Springwell Bay held off the competition to win the Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices' Chase. 

The day's highlight was the Wasdell Group Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle, won by Josh The Boss, who surged ahead with an impressive run. The John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase was taken by Grandeur D'Ame, Stolen Silver returned from a long layoff to capture the Native River Handicap Chase. 

The weekend wrapped up with a great mix of competitive racing and lively atmosphere and thhe Unibet Jump Season Opener has set the stage for a promising season ahead.