'It worked out fine' - ambitious Marco Ghiani gets up to pip Gosden's Empire

Friday: Lingfield

Last year's champion apprentice Marco Ghiani is eyeing another exciting year and added to his tally on the Charlie Hills-trained Menai Bridge in the feature 1m2f handicap.

The rider steered his mount to the inside rail and got up to beat the John and Thady Gosden-trained Emblem Empire by a head.

He said: "I didn't know the horse, but I thought he had a chance. I'd have preferred a stronger pace, but it worked out fine."

Ghiani will partner Tone The Barone in the Listed Hever Sprint Stakes (1.30) at the track on Saturday and on his chances said: "I think he'll run well, he's definitely a horse I look forward to riding all the time; he's so generous and persistent."

On future ambitions he added: "I would love to make more connections this year. I'm going to just keep trying to do my best, prove myself and become a better jockey. When the time is right, I would love to be champion jockey, who wouldn't!"

Gambles thwarted

Solanna was backed into 6-1 (from 33s) to land the mile handicap, while Natural Impulse was supported into 5-1 (from 11s) in the 5f handicap. Neither could land a blow as they finished seventh and last of ten respectively.

Results, replays and analysis

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