Fortunate Star gives apprentice jockey his second winner before Richard Hughes-trained debutante routs rivals

Harry Smith earned his first victory as an apprentice and notched just the second win of his career when Fortunate Star landed the opening 5f handicap. 

The Declan Carroll-trained runner also provided Smith with his first winner as an amateur in a dead-heat at Southwell in November.

This time it was far more straightforward as Fortunate Star quickened past the favourite Secret Mistral at the furlong mark to score comfortably by three lengths. 

Smith told Racing TV: "I wasn't involved in that early pace, they went far too quick at the start, but it's fast ground as well so they were bound to. I sat and waited and luckily he had enough to get me there."

Smith has ridden the gelding five times and added: "I won as an amateur in a dead-heat on this lad and he's come back to give me my first winner as an apprentice.

"I've been with Declan Carroll for three years now and it's all going well. Before I was with Declan I was with Brian Ellison, so I've always been in racing since I started working."

Queen soars to success

American Queen showcased big-race potential when storming to a stunning 12-length success in the 6f maiden fillies' stakes.

Richard Hughes trains the daughter of Havana Grey, who was purchased for €180,000 at Tattersalls Ireland breeze-up sale in May and. She justified 11-8 favouritism under rider Billy Loughnane. 

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