BELBROUGHTON racehorse owner Grahame Whateley is hoping a blistering start to the jumps season can continue into the busy winter months.

The businessman, who owns the Halesowen-based firm Cedar Group, is once again looking forward to an exciting campaign watching his equine stars carrying the famous two-toned blue colours of wife Diana.

However, this season sees the couple having to do without long-standing favourites Wishfull Thinking and Captain Chris, who were both retired last term.

But despite the loss, they have already celebrated a host of successes in Britain and Ireland as the jumps season begins to gather pace.

The couple were in the winner's enclosure last Saturday when Garde La Victoire bagged the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.

That notable success follows wins for the fellow Philip Hobbs-trained duo of Rock The Kasbah and Wishfull Dreaming at Chepstow at the start of the month.

Meanwhile, over in Ireland, Jetstream Jack and Cheltenham Festival winner Diamond King, both trained by Gordon Elliott, have made winning starts.

Diamond King is hoping to translate last season's Coral Cup win into a successful novice chase campaign.

Whateley said: "Diamond King is very much the horse everyone is talking about of ours.

"He won his first start over fences nicely the other day and we hope he can continue to do well as the season goes on.

"He is already a short-priced favourite for the JLT and Arkle novice chases at Cheltenham, but there's a long way to go yet. He's an exciting horse to have."

Plans are now being put into place for Menorah and Sausalito Sunrise.

"Menorah is really well and he may run in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby before being targeted towards the same race he's won at Sandown the last three years," added Whateley.

This season could be an exciting one for Sausalito Sunrise with the likes of the Hennessy or even the Grand National being considered.

Add to those an array of exciting younger horses such as Lisheen Prince, Braavos, Sneaky Feeling and Captain Bochelli and it could be another season to remember.

"We know things can change very quickly but are always hopeful of a good season," added Whateley. "We have started well and are just very lucky to have such nice horses. It's an exciting time."