Manjaam 'finds new lease of life' to end 931-day victory drought

Shropshire-based trainer Dave Loughnane says seven-year-old Manjaam has found a new lease of life after ending a 931-day and 29-race winless streak in the 2m½f handicap.

Manjaam won by a length under apprentice jockey Laura Pearson, who landed a double on the card with Diocles Of Rome later and who has now won on her last three rides.

Manjaam had had two changes of yard since his last win in May 2018, moving from Ed Dunlop to Ian Williams before landing at Loughnane's in January.

The victorious trainer said: "We're delighted. He has been very consistent since he came to us, mixing it up over hurdles and on the Flat.

David Loughnane: 'Manjaam has found a new lease of life'

"He's found a new lease of life and is enjoying life. It was a brilliant ride by Laura and I’m delighted for his owners, the Sohi brothers, who have shown great patience with him."

Century for Beckett

A double on the card for Ralph Beckett ensured he passed 100 winners in 2020 and saw him equal his previous best tally for winners in a year.

Surefire improved from his debut ninth at Kempton last month to pip odds-on favourite Mobaadel in the 1m novice stakes to bring up Beckett's century before Diocles Of Rome followed up in the 7f handicap.

That victory drew Beckett level with his 2016 tally of 101 winners.

Paul Mulrennan, rider of the Khalid Abduallh-owned Surefire told Sky Sports Racing: "He was very green first time out, but Mr Beckett said he’d improved for that massively at home. That's his 100th winner of the season as well, so happy days."

Results, replays and analysis

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