Dream start for Ryan and Boughey as The Hulk proves too strong for rivals

It was a day of close finishes with the victories of Rogue Tide, The Hulk, Smokey, Onaledge and Liberated Lad being decided by less than half a length.

Rossa Ryan took the ride aboard The Hulk, his first for burgeoning young trainer George Boughey, and delivered the three-year-old perfectly up the inside rail to make a winning debut in the 6f novice.

"He's fun horse who knew his job," said Boughey, who celebrated his first winner for owners Amo Racing Limited. "Rossa gave him a great ride. The second looks to have taken a big step forward so it was a fair effort to get the better of the older horse."

Ryan is attached to the Richard Hannon yard and was delighted to get a winner on the board for Boughey.

"That was a nice performance," he said. "George is in excellent form and it's great to get a first winner for him on my first ride for the team."

Lad all grown up

Another on the right side of a narrow finish was trainer Sir Mark Todd whose Liberated Lad knuckled down in the closing stages to hold off favourite Livia The Empress in the 1m2f handicap.

"He's just turned three and is finally coming together," Todd said of Lord Lloyd-Webber's winner.

"He just wasn't ready physically and mentally for some time but I'm delighted for the owners that he's gone out and won today."

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