THE Micky Hammond and Brian Harding partnership got off the mark at Perth yesterday when Celtic Duke took the Bill Cadogan Novices Chase.

Hammond was watching from his home in Middleham but assistant, Jedd O'Keeffe, said: ''It's a fantastic start for Brian and he gave the horse a lovely ride.'' Harding added: ''It's nice to get an early winner in the new job as it takes the pressure off.''

Scottish trainers were successful in half of the six-race card and the home victories were recorded by Supreme Soviet (Alistair Whillans), Uncle Bert (Lucinda Russell), and The Next Waltz (Len Lungo).

Meanwhile at Perth tonight the in-form Russell is represented by four horses including her stable stalwarts Fiveleigh Builds and Rocket Run.