Mark's Choice picks up where he left off last season at course he loves

Mark’s Choice won the final race of Ripon’s 2020 calendar last September and, 201 days later and 8lb higher, he returned for the track’s opening fixture of 2021 to rack up a fourth course success in the 6f handicap.

The Sam England-trained five-year-old held off Mutanaaseq by a head under Dougie Costello, although the winning trainer was at a loss to explain his penchant for the north Yorkshire course.

England said: "I have no idea [why Ripon suits], you'll have to ask him yourself! I'm not going to complain though and it's a nice track to like.

"I wasn't sure if he was going to need the run or not but he did it very nicely. We'll get him back home and then have a look at where to go next."

Gosdens back with bang

It had been nearly three years since the Gosden name appeared on a Ripon racecard, and John and Thady made a successful return to the track when the 1-2 favourite Highland Rocker ran out an easy winner of the 1m4f novice under Rab Havlin.

The winning jockey told Sky Sports Racing: “He's done it pretty smoothly. The ground was probably quicker than he’d want but he handled the undulations of the track. He’s a nice horse with a good mind and is the type that will progress."

Bethell blossoming

Middleham-based Ed Bethell has made an excellent start to his new training career after taking over from his father James, and after striking in the Spring Mile on Lincoln day at Doncaster he carried on the good form when Grantley won the mile 'Cock O' The North' handicap under Phil Dennis.

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