Summer Sands rewards favourite backers with easy victory in Two Year Old Trophy

Summer Sands rewarded favourite backers by landing the Listed Racing TV Redcar Two Year Old Trophy for trainer Richard Fahey and rider Barry McHugh.

The well-supported 11-8 favourite, who was last seen finishing third behind Earthlight in the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket, proved just how well treated he was with a ready victory.

McHugh, who also won the race on Darkanna for the same connections two years ago, eased Summer Sands to the front two furlongs out and the 109-rated colt kicked away from his rivals with ease.

Troubador, a model of consistency this season for Michael Dods, came home in second, while the Mark Johnston-trained Desert Safari finished third.

McHugh said: "He's a proper horse, it was just a matter of pointing him. I was just a little bit worried he had run last week but good horses can turn around quick and that's exactly what he is.

"I never had any concern during the race. I had complete trust in him, it's nice to get on a good one, he could take me to a few nice places."

Paddy Power installed the improving juvenile at 20-1 for next year's Commonwealth Cup after his two-and-three-quarter-length win.

Summer Sands was unsurprisingly sent off a short price given the unique conditions of the race, with the colt obliged to carry just 8st 3lb thanks to the median price of sales from his sire Coach House, despite being rated 8lb better than his nearest opponent. The success provided connections with a whopping £99,242 first-place prize.

The conditions of the race have proved a valuable loophole for the Fahey camp, who often target smart two-year-olds at the race in search of serious prize-money.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly