'It was a great battle' - Tritonic gets the better of Goshen in ding-dong clash

Sunday: Goodwood

The jumps season proper kicked off at Chepstow on Friday and two of the sphere's leading lights, Tritonic and Goshen, served up a stunning Flat spectacle here in the 1m4f handicap, with the former coming out on top in a ding-dong battle.

Goshen set out to make all but Hollie Doyle scythed her way through the field on Tritonic and fended off a late rally by the long-time leader to score by a neck.

Winning trainer Alan King said: "I was surprised actually. I said to Hollie to drop him well in as he can be quite keen when he's fresh, but he settled beautifully today and almost overly so.

"Once she got in among them he came back on the bridle and travelled well. It was a great battle and I'm delighted with him."

Tritonic will go back over hurdles in the winter but the five-year-old has some unfinished business on the Flat beforehand.

"The plan is to head to the November Handicap with him and possibly [sixth-placed] On To Victory will go there," said King. "We were using today as a prep for that and, all things being equal, that's where you'll see them next.

"With Tritonic, I would hope we'll head to Ascot for the two-mile handicap hurdle just before Christmas."

Star repeat

Spanish Star landed back-to-back runnings of the 6f handicap and provided trainer Patrick Chamings with some solace after a tough season.

"It's been a shocker this year, so that was a real tonic for us," said Chamings.

The win was the second half of a quick double for Tom Marquand after he guided 4-9 favourite Yacowlef to victory in the 6f novice.

Results, replays and analysis

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