Ffrench back in business with first big handicap win of the season

Royston Ffrench landed his first big winner since his return from serious injury in August as 25-1 shot Royal Brave stayed on gamely in the feature £25,000 Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap.

The jockey positioned his mount behind 3-1 favourite Staxton, before finding a gap and finishing half-a-length clear of Tim Easterby’s three-year-old to secure his second victory this season.

“It’s been a long time coming but I’m back now,” Ffrench told At The Races. “I was told to ride him like the best horse in the race. He picked up really nicely and finished well."