WORCESTERSHIRE trainer Alan Phillips is celebrating after The Model County triumphed in the MHM Handicap Hurdle at Warwick.

The 7-2 favourite, with Tom Scudamore on board, impressed over three-and-a-quarter miles on heavy ground.

The seven-year-old bay mare, owned by Dave Redfern, was the bottom-weight in the race.

With three of the runners failing to finish, the only challenge to The Model County came from Young Lou, who chased the leader into the straight, but couldn’t close the gap over the final two flights.

Despite making a mistake at the last, The Model County had enough in hand to score by three lengths and record back-to-back wins at the course.

Phillips, from Callow End, was delighted with the win which pocketed £3,899 for owner Redfern to be spread across the connections.