Lee excels as Hogan gets back amongst the winners

A bumper winner in Britain last year for Gary Moore, Cast A Spell (5/4) gained a first win since rejoining her original trainer Tom Hogan when getting up in the final stride in the 1m3f maiden for older horses.

Placed in maiden hurdles earlier in the year, the daughter of Mastercraftsman had been running well since having her attentions switched to the Flat and, having been pushed along in rear turning for home, came home well under a strong drive from Billy Lee to foil Nelson Muntz by a short head.

Hogan said: "She is a tough filly and while the trip was short for her today, the ground helped. She has been consistent and if the handicapper isn't too hard on her, she might win a handicap.

"Hopefully now she'll be a nice mare over hurdles during the winter.

"Her owner Alan Jamieson is brilliant and is a fabulous owner, so it is unfortunate he couldn't be here today. Alan is a Geordie but is based south of London and it is brilliant to train a winner for him."

He added: "I went to the sales recently and brought back three yearlings so I'm in the market for a few new owners. I only have a couple for the winter but we'll plough on and keep finding an excuse to go racing!"

Quotes from Tom Weekes