'Not only has spring come early, Christmas has too' - 80-1 joy for connections

Wednesday: Sedgefield

Outsider Royle Steel's win in the opening 2m1f maiden hurdle came as a major shock to punters, but it was not a surprise for his jubilant connections whose confidence in backing their four-year-old was justified with an 80-1 success.

Dropped in early, jockey Alain Cawley always looked confident on Royle Steel and drove him clear on the run-in to fend off a late challenge by Ceolwulf and score by three-quarters of a length.

"We said to the owner we'll wait for some better ground, and with the weather we've been having, spring has arrived early," said winning trainer Micky Hammond. "Not only has spring come early, Christmas has as well.

"The owner had a little bet each-way, and if you can't have a little bet on your own horses then you can't have a bet on anything."

Delight for connections in the winner's circle following their 80-1 success with Royle SteelCredit: Grossick Racing

Royle Steel had been well beaten in his first two starts, but Hammond was not deterred by those heavy defeats and expects him to kick on following his shock success.

He added: "He ran really well on debut at Doncaster, but we ended up making the running and did the same at Wetherby on ground that was too testing.

"He's always been a good jumper of a hurdle, and we've always liked him, so obviously we're delighted. I think he's a horse with a future – he's a baby steeplechaser."

Sang strikes again

A change of scenery has worked wonders for the resurgent Demi Sang, who was a well-backed winner of the 2m4f handicap hurdle, and he made it two wins from three starts since joining trainer Sara Ender.

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