In-form Ed Bethell relishing lucky run as Exminster strikes on debut

Ed Bethell struck with his sole runner of the day, Exminster, to continue his impressive run of form in his first season as a trainer.

Bethell, who took over from his father James at Thorngill House Stables in Middleham, recorded his 13th winner of the season when the two-year-old won the second division of the 7f novice.

Exminster, who the trainer bought for £22,000 in October, struck at 11-4 on his first start under jockey PJ McDonald.

Bethell said: "It was a good debut. He's green but I was impressed with the way he hit the line strongly despite being so inexperienced. He's a lovely horse for the future. It's all about next year with him and whatever he achieves this year will be a bonus."

The trainer's last seven runners have finished in the first two, an excellent run of form that Bethell struggles to explain.

He added: "It's a run of luck, I guess, long may it last. I've got a very good team of people at home who are keeping the show on the road, and the horses are just really healthy at the moment."

Zarzyni bounces back

Zarzyni bounced back to form to land the feature 6f handicap on the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

Trained by David Barron, Zarzyni finished last of 17 in the Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh on his most recent start.

However, he made the most of a drop in class to solidify the form of his Musselburgh reappearance in April, when he finished second and narrowly overcame Group 3 winner Came From The Dark.

Barron finished the day on a double as Teescomponentsfly took the final race of the day under Oisin McSweeney.

Results, replays and analysis

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