Flying start for Ray Dawson after a double on his first rides back in Britain

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Ray Dawson wasted no time on his return to Britain and landed a double on his first day back riding after enjoying his best season yet in the United Arab Emirates.

The 32-year-old was last seen riding in Britain in October and has just completed his fourth stint in the UAE, where he claimed 41 victories. He got off to a perfect start to the new turf season on board Expressionless and Wreck It Ryley.

Expressionless broke slowly from the stalls and was in the rear for most of the race before Dawson switched left in the home straight, with the pair peeling clear of the field to make his second start this year a winning one in the 1m4f handicap.

The double was completed half an hour later in the first division of the 6f handicap when Dawson guided Wreck It Ryley to a comfortable six-length success for trainer Alan Brown.

The winning jockey told Racing TV: "I was in Abu Dhabi on Saturday – I won the final race of the season – and I got back on Sunday night. Expressionless was my first ride back in the UK, so we've started off well.

"It was my best year out there so far and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was getting good opportunities out there, and every year it's been getting a bit better, so hopefully that can continue."

Back in business 

Karl Burke looks to have a smart prospect in I'll Be Back, who made a winning three-year-old debut in the 7f novice stakes.

The Lope De Vega colt won on heavy ground on his sole start in November and dug deep to defy King's Cavalry's challenge, winning by a length under Sam James.

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