Akabusi sprints to glory for the first time - but only after unseating and kicking Hollie Doyle beforehand

Hollie Doyle dusted herself off after being unseated and kicked on the way to the post to steer Akabusi to an impressive victory in the 6f nursery.

Named after athlete Kriss Akabusi, the two-year-old was the jockey's first winner for trainer Michael Keady and she delivered it in style. Akabusi was hard ridden with more than a furlong to go, but Doyle kept him focused and the pair picked up strongly to win by a length and a quarter.

“I was a bit worried as I could see them adjusting the saddle behind the stalls and Hollie was out of sight, so for a second I thought he was going to be a non-runner," Keady said. "Hollie said he was going down to post beautifully, but then he just jinked to the side and she came off, and he kicked her in the leg as she went down.

“We always felt that once he’d been gelded he’d put his best feet forward. He’s sharpened up at home and is starting to show it on the track too.”

Lucky 13 for Never

Hurt You Never recorded her 13th win for Adrian Nicholls in the 5f handicap under his son and apprentice jockey, Jack.

The trainer said: “I wish every horse I had was as game as her. When she hits form, she’s very consistent. There aren’t many horses who win one or two races, let alone 13. She’s a credit to herself and I wouldn’t mind a yard full like her.”

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