Cumbrian stables enjoyed a couple of popular victories in last Thursday's meeting at Carlisle with Cartmel's James Moffatt taking the handicap hurdle and Maurice Barnes lifting the handicap chase with Bafana Blue, writes John Budden.

Moffatt's win - his 50th as a trainer - came from Native Fighter,who was reverting to hurdling on his debut for the Cartmel trainer after running well for previous connections on the flat at Musselburgh.

Native Fighter was partnered by Barrow's Charlotte Jones and the talented 7lbs conditional gave a polished display as he was badly hampered by a faller at the flight midway down the back straight.

Charlotte gave her mount time to recover his rhythm before bringing him through to challenge over the last two flights and rode him home with hands and heels.

Charlotte works full-time at Moffatt's Pit Farm Stables and her first hand experience with the horses is a significant advantage in action on the racetrack.

Ross Chapman enjoyed a smoother passage on the Farlam-trained Bafana Blue holding a handy position through the race before committing his mount to lead over the last open ditch. Bafana Blue stayed on resolutely up the hill.

A plethora of jump racing in the North this weekend sees Ayr stage their second meeting within five days and both Moffatt and Tristan Davidson will be optimistic of putting their names on the scoreboard.

The latter saddles Justatenner in the 3-mile handicap hurdle and few horses in training are more worthy of a winning turn. He goes well at Ayr and Harry Reed will be desperate to judge his challenge.

Moffatt 's patience with The Steward finally paid off at Cartmel's August meeting when the gelding opened his winning account for the stable with a wide margin success over course specialist Beeno.

The Steward now tackles stronger competition in Ayr's Scottish Champion Hurdle Trial but with confidence restored, he can bring off another rewarding touch.