'It was touch and go' - Giant Steps beats near-death experience for first win

Wednesday: Catterick

Stella Barclay's decision not to retire Giant Steps last week paid off with an emotional first win of his career in the opening 5f handicap having recovered from a life-threatening injury a year and a half ago.

The five-year-old suffered a serious tendon injury in October 2020 and a new career was on the cards having been beaten in nine starts since returning from a 398-day layoff, but he landed a 33-1 shock under Faye McManoman to get off the mark at the 21st attempt.

"It was a bit unexpected," Barclay said. "Over a year ago at Wolverhampton he got struck from behind and half his tendon went, so he's missing half of it on one of his back legs. It was touch and go whether they were going to put him down on the track.

"We were on the verge of retiring him because of the injury and we thought he didn't enjoy it anymore, but we gave him a go to see what would happen. I'm so happy for him."

Mechie milestone

Trainer Neil Mechie saddled his first winner on the Flat under rules when Gold Ring caused a 22-1 shock with an easy success in the 1m6f handicap.

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