Formidable Forest Ranger gallops on relentlessly to repeat Huxley win

Forest Ranger became only the second horse to win the Group 2 Huxley Stakes more than once after successfully defending his crown with a powerful display.

The Richard Fahey-trained five-year-old galloped on relentlessly in the home straight under Tony Hamilton to add his name alongside Maraahel, who won the Huxley three times between 2005 and 2007.

"He's been a legend, he cost us 26,000gns and has taken us everywhere," said Fahey. "I thought turning in it would take a decent one to beat him as he does pick up and then gallops to the line."

After winning last year's race Forest Ranger failed to make an impact in the Coral-Eclipse and Fahey will again look overseas for a horse who has made trips to South Korea and Dubai in recent months.

"It's hard to place him over here with the Group 2 penalty and we'll have to look abroad," the trainer said. "He's not good enough for the Group 1s so it will be a case of have saddle will travel."

Owners Norman and Helen Steel, long-standing supporters of Fahey, were particularly delighted to be on course for the victory as the County Kildare-based couple missed the win 12 months ago due to a cancelled ferry.

Dascombe relieved to hit the target

Sha La La La Lee got Tom Dascombe "out of a hole" as he gave the trainer a first winner of the week at the meeting that means so much to his yard.

But Dascombe was quick to give credit to apprentice Jane Elliott for her attacking ride, making full use of a stall one draw to take the 7½f handicap from the front.

"Jane's a great addition to our yard," he said. "She's a lovely girl, a real hard worker and a good jockey.

"She won the race in the first 70 yards, the horse half missed the beat but she got him there and that's what it's all about – positive, aggressive riding.

"He'd never won on turf and he should have done by now but at least today he's helped me out of a big hole."

Sha La La La Lee (No.9, Jane Elliott) wins from the frontCredit: Edward Whitaker

No Kachy, no problem

Dascombe decided not to run stable star Kachy in the 5f conditions stakes due to the ground, but still claimed the spoils with She Can Boogie.

"It's funny how things work out but we've done the right thing with Kachy and she's a really quick and hardy filly," said the trainer.

She Can Boogie, who finished third at the track on Wednesday, gave Elliott a double on the day. However, there was a sting in the tail for the jockey as she was banned for a total of nine days (May 24-25, May 27-June 2) for two incidents of careless riding on Sha La La La Lee and She Can Boogie.

Dascombe, who has been on the scoreboard at least once at this meeting every year since he moved to Cheshire from Lambourn in 2009, added the next target for Kachy was the Group 2 Armstrong Aggregates Temple Stakes at Haydock on May 25.

Koukash leaves it late

Chester fanatic Marwan Koukash had to wait even longer than Dascombe for a winner at the meeting, which finally came courtesy of Heart Of Soul in the 1m4½f apprentice handicap.

"I'm delighted to get a winner here," said Koukash. "Most of my horses haven't been able to run to their level because of the heavy going."

Despite the mud flying, Cameron Noble came back with a clean set of silks after leading all the way on the Ian Williams-trained 7-2 favourite.

THE BUZZ

Lion roars in Plate

Coeur De Lion went one better than last year when running out a decisive winner of the Chester Cup consolation race, the Chester Plate.

Stewards' inquiry

Following race seven an inquiry was held after a report from the BHA judge that a course crossing had been opened, allowing connections and members of the public onto the course with two runners, which were tailed off, yet to complete. The judge and the clerk of the course, representing the management executive, were interviewed. Their explanations were noted and a report was forwarded to the head office of the BHA.

Thought for the day

A best ever season last year and a Chester Cup victory to start this – Franny Norton is a jockey who gets better with age.

Replays, results and analysis

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