'I'm in disbelief with how well it's been going' - apprentice Elizabeth Gale continues her stunning run of form

Elizabeth Gale: has won on three of her last four ridesCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Elizabeth Gale continued her fine run of form on Great Blasket, although she left it late to clinch victory in the mile handicap.

Favourite backers had an anxious time after the 9-4 shot suffered trouble in running, but Gale seized her chance when the gap came to get up in the final strides and win by half a length.

"It was a stressful ride. I got locked down the rail and I thought a little bit of space would come but it didn't," Gale told Sky Sports Racing.

"He's been tough today – I haven't even picked my stick up on him. I'm lucky the gaps came up late on and he went for me."

Trained by Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, Great Blasket was ending a winless run that stretched back to last June.

Gale, who has won on three of her last four rides, added: "He probably has a bit more ability than this. He'd dropped in the handicap but luckily he has done it for his owners today."

The 7lb claimer, who also rides over jumps, has made a fine start to her Flat career and has her first Royal Ascot ride on Ambiente Amigo in the Kensington Palace Stakes on Wednesday.

"I'm in disbelief with how well it's been going, but I'm absolutely loving it," remarked Gale.

Cracking Crouch

Hector Crouch warmed up in fine style for Royal Ascot with a double.

Despite trainer Ollie Sangster being responsible for half of the runners in the 6f fillies’ maiden, it was the Ralph Beckett-trained Bosa Nova who came out on top, giving Crouch the first leg of his double.

Crouch then won the 6f handicap by half a length on Papabella for trainer Stuart Kittow.

Family affair

Trainer Archie Watson registered his 800th winner when his wife, Brodie Hampson, steered Blue Yonder home in the 1m2f amateur jockeys' handicap.

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