Franny Norton steals the show with double on a day for the old guard

Thursday: Carlisle

Franny Norton got in on the act on a day to remember for jockeys in their 50s by registering a double for Charlie and Mark Johnston.

With Frankie Dettori and Jimmy Quinn on the mark at Newmarket, 51-year-old Norton also showed age is just a number when guiding Baileys Liberty and Whitefeathersfall to their first victories.

Of the winning pair, Deirdre Johnston told Racing TV: "Whitefeathersfall was a big, lanky horse last year but is so much more mature now and looked magnificent in the paddock, and I'm not surprised to see him win.

"It was great placing with Baileys Liberty as a maiden handicap was just what she needed."

With Joe Fanning facing a few months out of action due to a broken arm, Norton is likely to get additional opportunities for the Johnstons during what is traditionally a productive period for the powerful stable.

"This time of year is always good to us," added Johnston. "Lion Of War goes to Newmarket on Saturday [for the Superlative Stakes], which is exciting, and we're already focusing on Glorious Goodwood."

Burke bonanza

Espionne made the perfect start to her career to ensure trainer Karl Burke was on the board at all three afternoon meetings – and all in the space of 20 minutes.

The victories came in three consecutive races with Lethal Levi landing the £100,000 handicap (3.00) at Newmarket, before Sir Robin's victory in the 6f novice (3.10) at Doncaster.

Espionne, a daughter of Dubawi owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, completed the 78-1 across-the-card treble when holding on by half a length in the 7f fillies' maiden (3.20).

Results, replays and analysis

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