Ebor now firmly on the agenda for 'tough horse' Saturn

Saturn once again showed admirable battling qualities, as he just prevailed in the Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Premier Handicap.

Providing Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley with a double, the regally bred four-year-old came in for strong market support and from 3/1 in early shows, he eventually went off the clear favourite at 5/4.

Settled behind the leaders and fourth from halfway, the grey son of Galileo was off the bridle a long way from home.

Vying for the lead from the two-furlong pole, he was soon tackled on the outer by the strong travelling Tyson Fury (22/1) and after a protracted tussle in the closing stages, there was just a short head between them at the line.

The runner-up lost little in defeat under Daniel King for Denis Hogan, while Serious Challenge (15/2) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third.

"That was good, I'd say we'll freshen him up and go to the Ebor now as he's had three quick runs," Harrington, who took the opener with Hotazhell commented.

"He had a hard enough race here the last time when beaten but I had to go on the Saturday because I knew the rain was coming and he won't go on soft ground.

"He has to have quick ground, he's like his mammy (Alpha Centauri)!

"He was off the bridle a long way out and he's a tough horse."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D. King, rider of Tyson Fury (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D. King was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.

R.P. Whelan, rider of Ceallach, trained by M. Halford & T. Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got upset in the gates.

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Mt Leinster, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson