'He's intriguing' - horse with family connection gives owner emotional win

Laurence Bellman enjoyed a particularly special winner at Haydock on Saturday when Alabama Boy, named after the owner's grandson, broke his maiden in fine style in the mile handicap on Saturday.

In Bellman's recognisable blue and yellow silks, the Ed Walker-trained three-year-old travelled strongly and powered home for a comfortable four-and-a-half length victory in the mile handicap.

The son of Awtaad, who was sent off a 100-30 favourite, got his name due to Bellman's baby grandson currently living in Alabama, United States.

"The horse performed really well," Bellman told Racing TV. "Hector [Crouch, jockey] rode a good race. I thought the pace was a bit fast so I was worried and we were quite far back with three furlongs to go but he just galloped away. He's an intriguing horse.

"My son is married and his wife has just had a baby and they live in Birmingham, Alabama. We've always liked the horse.

He added: "I love being back on course, I missed it and I'm enjoying it even more in the sunshine."

Two from two

The progressive Finest Sound enjoyed the second victory of his career – both of which have come at Haydock – in the feature mile handicap.

The four-year-old was sent off an 11-4 favourite for the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot last season but proved no match for dominant winner Khaloosy. He was beaten in a photo-finish on his seasonal reappearance, but was on the winning side of a short-head this time to defeat Shelir.

Off the mark

1-5 favourite Dhushan broke his maiden at the third time of asking with a three-length win in the 1m4f novice stakes. The William Haggas-trained runner is entered in the Cazoo Derby and was cut to 33-1 (from 50s) with bet365 for the Epsom Classic.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more from Saturday's racing:

Nicholls mulls appeal as Potterman is promoted to first and Enrilo placed third

Celebration time for Bryony Frost as she stars on Greaneteen and Frodon

Belargus seals 'very emotional' win for Nick Gifford in race named after father

Charlie Hills living American dream with Pogo as Hollie Doyle bags four-timer

Harrington and Foley at the double as Still Standing bounces back to form

'If we want a runner we have one now' - Dascombe weighing up Chester Cup raid

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