Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon has made an impressive start to the new National Hunt season with three winners in the opening week.

Longsdon sent out Midnight Shot (7-4 favourite) and Germany Calling (3-1) from his Hull Farm Stables to land a quickfire double in the opening two races at Uttoxeter on Saturday, before Crack Of Thunder (4-1 joint favourite) scored at Warwick on Bank Holiday Monday.

Midnight Shot made a winning debut over hurdles when storming home by ten lengths from Ballycamp in a maiden contest over two miles under Richard Johnson.

Germany Calling, who had landed the maiden hurdle on the same card 12 months ago, returned to make all the running in the hands of Aidan Coleman for a six-length success in the two-mile beginners’ chase.

Longsdon, who was at Punchestown where Kalane finished a creditable third to Annie Power in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Champion Hurdle, said: “The new season could not have started any better.

“I will see how they come out of their races before deciding if we give them their summer break now or after one more run.”

Crack Of Thunder, who has benefitted from the application of cheekpieces, added to Longsdon’s tally by taking a handicap hurdle over three miles and a furlong by seven lengths from Sandynow with Brian Hughes on board.