'My horse was certainly intimidated' - photo-finish drama as placings reversed

Master The Stars claimed the 1m2f handicap despite losing out in a photo-finish, as first-past-the-post Good Birthday was demoted following a lengthy stewards' inquiry.

The son of Sea The Stars lost out by a short-head, but the placings were revised after Silvestre de Sousa's mount interfered with Master The Stars in the final furlong.

Master The Stars' trainer Ed Dunlop said: "With the current rules I'm not at all surprised. Silvestre's horse came off the straight line and bumped into us three or four times, and there was only a short-head between it.

"My horse was certainly intimidated, and although no-one ever likes to get a race in the stewards' room I think it was probably a fair result.

"I've had these rulings go in both directions before, and it's always better when they go in your favour, so you feel for the people who have been first past the post."

Master The Stars (left) and Good Birthday during Friday's 1m2f handicap at NewmarketCredit: Mike Egerton (Getty Images)

The stewards' report read: "Considering where both pieces of interference occurred in relation to the winning line, with Master The Stars being bumped and carried off its intended line on two separate occasions inside the final half furlong before running on to be beaten by a short-head at the line, the stewards were satisfied that the interference had improved Good Birthday's placing."

The stewards' decision heralded the 24th success of the year for apprentice Mark Crehan, who is enjoying a career-best high after only one win the previous years.

De Sousa was suspended for two days for careless riding following the incident.

Derby entry Derab shines

It was Enable's half-brother, Derab, who caught the eye on the day when an impressive winner of the mile novice stakes for John and Thady Gosden.

The three-year-old son of Sea The Stars was recording his first win by six-and-a-half lengths, after finishing second to Snow Lantern on his latest start at Newbury in April.

Derab was cut to 16-1 (from 40-1) with Sky Bet for the Cazoo Derby in June.

Results, replays and analysis

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