Indian jockey Neeraj Rawal praises trainer support after first winner in Britain

Monday: Lingfield

Neeraj Rawal enjoyed a memorable afternoon on Indian Independence Day when gaining his first success in Britain, as Jilly Cooper produced a stunning late burst to land the 7f handicap for lower-rated horses.

The 35-year-old, who is a winner of 11 Group races in his homeland in India, was riding for only the fourth time in Britain, having been given opportunities by Mark and Charlie Johnston.

Rawal told Sky Sports Racing: "He [Mark Johnston] has given me so much confidence coming over here and giving me rides, I really appreciate him.

"The filly was great, electric. I felt I went a bit too soon on her at Haydock but Mr Johnston had the confidence to put me up again."

Momentum builder

Joint-trainer John Best emerged from an enforced quiet spell to score with Pablo Prince in the 1m4f handicap and boost the stable ahead of a tilt at a big prize at York’s Ebor meeting.

Best and his training partner Karen Jewell are sending Red Flyer north for the £100,000 Stayers’ Handicap.

"We’ve had very few runners recently as there just hasn’t been the right races for our horses but we’ve a much busier period coming up," said Best.

"Karen and I are especially looking forward to Red Flyer, our flag bearer, running at York. He’s trying two miles for the first time and I’m hoping he will stay."

'Welcome winner'

Trainer Mark Pattinson registered his second success of the season when Rainbow Sign pipped 4-6 favourite Maylah by a nose in the 7f classified stakes.

"It’s a welcome winner. We only have a handful of horses and could do with a few more," said Pattinson.

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