'I didn't really believe in fairytales' - poignant final success for Eric Alston

Tuesday: Catterick

Redrosezorro delivered a final win for Eric Alston with the trainer's last ever runner in the 6f handicap.

It was a fitting way to go out for Alston, who developed a reputation for training top-level sprinters, including when taking Reverence to Group 1 glory on two occasions in the Nunthorpe and the Sprint Cup in 2006.

Alston, 78, who has spent four decades training from his Lancashire base Edges Farm Stables, said: "I didn't really believe in fairytales, which I won't start doing, but that was very special.

"It's wonderful to get that last win with Redrosezorro. He needs very soft ground and he'd been running in 75-80 handicaps – it's the first time he's got back in a 60 for a long long time."

The eight-year-old veteran had tracked the leaders before powering forward under Kevin Stott to score by two lengths, recording a seventh Catterick triumph in the process.

"He had a chance and he did it great," added Alston. "I'm so pleased for the owners too because they've been with me a long time."

Alston provided a simple formula for his well-earned accomplishments: "I've just done it right most of the time. You never know till they win, but I've had a fantastic career, it's been great really."

Stott gave his own tribute on Racing TV, saying: "All the lads are a bit emotional. It's his last runner so it means a lot for everyone. I'm just privileged and glad that I've had the chance to ride him a winner. He's just a gentleman to deal with."

Star zooms in again

Zoom Star repeated last season's trick to take the 5f sprint handicap, thriving in the heavy conditions to get up by a neck to deny Shesadabber and complete a quickfire double for Harrison Shaw from the first two races, with the rider having scored on Seantrabh in the opening 5f novice.

The filly's trainer Bryan Smart said: "She's won it again. She loves soft ground, she's as tough as they come – as tough as teak. We found she had an entrapped epiglottis and she's come back this year and we're over the moon. I'm delighted for the owners because they bred her. It's really nice when it comes off like that.

"It's fantastic having Harrison. He came in this morning and rode a bit of work for me and we're getting on the same wavelength. He's a proper horseman which is lovely."

Familiar foes face off

Familiar battle lines were drawn in the 2m handicap as Cold Henry and Oh So Chic faced off once again over course and distance as they did a month ago.

On that occasion the winning distance was just half a length, but this time it was even tighter with Cold Henry again prevailing over his rival, but this time by a nose for Joanna Mason and Sara Ender.

Results, replays and analysis

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