'One to watch' - Shadwell's Mujtaba impresses on his debut under Jim Crowley

The William Haggas-trained Mujtaba made the perfect start to his career by winning the mile novice stakes in authoritative fashion, coming home four and a quarter lengths clear.

His long-awaited debut was impressive as he pulled away from the 78-rated Rani Of Jhansi with jockey Jim Crowley struggling to pull up the three-year-old once they hit the line.

The manner of the performance excited Richard Hills, assistant racing manager for owners Shadwell.

He said: "He was tough to pull up which, is a good sign. For a Dubawi, he’s a pretty big horse, but we think he’s going to be a nice horse hopefully one day. William has taken his time with him as he’d had a few problems, but he’d been working nicely lately, so we just looked for a race as soon as."

Hills, referring to the undulations of the Welsh track, added: "It wasn’t one of my favourites, I know that! Jim said that a mile on a flat track would definitely suit him, so I should think we’ll look for another novice. I think he is one to watch out for."

Crowley completed a double on the Donald McCain-trained Russco, who won for the fourth successive time in the 6f handicap.

The three-year-old had been ridden by McCain’s daughter Ella for the first three of those wins but Crowley, who combined with the northern jumps trainer to win the Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate with Ile De Re in 2012, was a more than capable deputy.

Mixed emotions for Mason

Joanna Mason had a worthwhile trip to the track as she guided the frustrating Miquelon to a narrow win in the 7f handicap on her only ride of the day.

The four-year-old had been winless in six starts for Archie Watson since moving from France, but Mason worked her magic, although was banned for two days for using her whip above the permitted level.

Results, replays and analysis

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