'It's our turn at the moment' - Lambourn trainer hails red-hot form after adding to career-best month

Jonathan Portman hailed an "amazing" run of form after Prima Diva added to the trainer's most successful month ever.

Claimer Olivia Tubb was aboard Portman's ninth winner of the month, with the three-year-old edging half a length clear of favourite Makes Me Wonder in the mile apprentice handicap.

Portman said: "She stepped up from her last run at Bath, which showed signs of promise. This race wasn’t overly demanding, but she needed time to get her act together. She's been slow to come to hand mentally, but she’s found her level now."

The Lambourn trainer is operating at a 18 per cent strike-rate with his 22 winners this year, but this month has been a particularly hot one, with 20 of the stable's 39 runners hitting the first four.

Portman added: "It's been amazing. Normally it takes many more months to get to over 20 winners but we're pretty chuffed about it.

"We're not doing anything different to what we've always done. The horses have been healthy, which helps, and most of them have been running in the right races. Everyone at home has been doing a good job but nothing has changed. I suppose we're having a good time with it and it's just our turn at the moment."

Third times a charm

Jockey Rossa Ryan landed the feature 1m3½f handicap aboard Wisper for Alan King, who was running the mare for just the third time. Ryan then followed up with victory on 11-4 favourite Under The Twilight in the 6f handicap for Michael Blake.

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