Oliver Signy praises Stratford safety efforts as Etat Major completes hat-trick

Sunday: Stratford

Oliver Signy praised the work of Stratford officials who ensured the safety of runners after he enjoyed another successful outing with Etat Major Aulmes in the 2m6½f handicap chase.

In response to the heatwave, the action at the track was brought forward with the first race starting at midday, almost two hours before the initially scheduled time.

"They've done a great job with the watering and with the amount of people available after each race, so it's very safe," said Signy.

"The safety of the horses comes first and Stratford made sure everything was right before racing or else nobody would have run."

Etat Major Aulmes: landed a hat-trick at StratfordCredit: BillSELWYN

It proved to be another decisive afternoon for Etat Major Aulmes as the eight-year-old completed a hat-trick under Gavin Sheehan when finishing three lengths clear of Salley Gardens.

"Gavin gets a good tune out of him and they get on really well together,” added Signy.

"He's a summer horse and likes the quicker ground. It was the perfect time for him to run."

Hat-trick heroes

Serjeant Painter and Pop The Champagne also achieved a third victory on the bounce on the card.

The latter, who is trained by the in-form Fergal O'Brien, made all when landing the 2m½f novice hurdle, which was a three-runner race, while Serjeant Painter struck in the 2m3½f novice chase.

Kielan Woods's success on Serjeant Painter was the first leg of a treble as he also partnered Ayr Of Elegance and Queens Highway to victory.

Results, replays and analysis

Sign up here. Place 5 x £10 Sportsbook bets on any market at minimum odds of 2.0 (evens) and get money back as cash if it loses. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10 (up to £50 in total). Only deposits made via cards will be eligible for the promotion (Apple Pay excluded). T&Cs apply.