There was no doubting the winner of this year’s William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase as Konfusion enjoyed a bloodless seven-length win over his rivals at Wetherby.

Only four horses ended up going to post for the feature race of the West Yorkshire track’s two-day Christmas meeting – following the late defection of Our Power – but the progressive chestnut gelding delivered again for the in-form Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith partnership.

Konfusion (8-11fav) led from the first strides until last, jumping well from the front under Callum Bewley and when asked the question in the home straight he fought off the attentions of long-time pursuer Knappers Hill, before clearing away from the last to win in the style of a heavily-backed favourite.

The recent winner of the Rehearsal at Newcastle took home the £28,500 first prize, with David Killahena and Graeme McPherson’s Marble Sands (4-1) staying on to take second, with Paul Nicholls’ Knappers Hill (4-1) the last of the three runners to finish – in what was the smallest field for the race this century.

No mistake: Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith’s Konfusion, ridden by Callum Bewley, rounded off an excellent year by taking Wetherby’s Boxing Day feature – the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

placeholder image — No mistake: Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith’s Konfusion, ridden by Callum Bewley, rounded off an excellent year by taking Wetherby’s Boxing Day feature – the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

Michael and David Easterby’s 5-2 favourite, The Resdev Tyke, took the concluding William Hill Daily Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle.

Cheltenham-winning jockey and trainer Fiona Needham’s Red Delta (5-1) got up in the closing stages to win the Pallinc Lincolnshire National Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

Needham’s inmate was given a fine ride by three-pound claimer Jack Andrews who kept the horse in midfield before launching his challenge a few fences out.

He jumped well and chased down long-time leader Ivane (12-1) up the home straight to eventually prevail by two and a half lengths.

Winner: Brian Hughes (right) rode Throatlash to victory in the William Hill Extra Places With B.O.G Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree and finished third on Leyburn trainer Paddy Neville's The Last Cloud in the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle. and Harry Skelton (second right) make their way to the parade ring ahead of the William Hill Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Picture date: Friday December 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Parkinson and Smith’s the Big Breac, which had been sent off the 11-8 favourite, came home in fourth but over 20 lengths adrift of the winner.

Other Boxing Day Yorkshire winners included Mark Walford’s Huit Reflets (3-1) in the Ready To Welcome The New Year Handicap Chase at Sedgefield for Theo Gillard.

William Easterby rode father Tim’s Smart Decision (11-5 fav) to a one-length success in the concluding Rand Farm Park Mare-Y Little Christmas Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen.

Leyburn trainer Paddy Neville’s The Last Cloud (18-1) came home third in the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree under former champion jockey Brian Hughes.

Winner Idaho Sun (3-1) ran out a convincing winner of the contest, beating ante-post Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite Mydaddypaddy in style.

Trained by Harry Fry – who was celebrating his first Grade One winner since Metier landed the equivalent race in 2021 – Idaho Sun was a 3-1 chance with Dan Skelton’s Mydaddypaddy the 8-13 market leader.

Trainer Skelton will be bidding to follow up Harper’s Brook’s victory last year in today’s feature William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase (2.45).

The horse actually takes his chance at Wetherby under seven-pound claimer Harry Atkins, but the stable’s first choice is Madara, the mount of Charlie Todd. Nicky Richards’ Doyen Du Bar and Traprain Law for Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore look to be others with live chances.

Parkinson and Smith run recent London National winner O’Connell in the Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) at Chepstow this afternoon.

Danny McMenamin’s mount impressed when winning by nearly four lengths at Sandown at the start of the month following up his victory there in February.

Catterick Bridge stage their traditional Sky Bet Christmas Meeting tomorrow.

There is a six-race card which starts at 12.18, including the feature Sky Bet Club Handicap Chase at 2.38.

Then on Monday, Doncaster hold a seven-race Winter Family Fun Day card and includes the Listed Sky Sports Racing Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase at 2.10, with a £42,700 pot for the winner.