One ride, one win - James Doyle makes perfect first trip to the track this year as 230,000gns Wathnan buy strikes again

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

James Doyle made it a perfect first visit to the Surrey track this year when Storm Force continued to make up for lost time by striking in the 6f novice.

The Richard and Peter Fahey-trained three-year-old was off for 445 days after finishing third on his debut in May last year before returning with a winning comeback at Southwell last month. He backed that up when defying a penalty with a two-length triumph.

Doyle told Sky Sports Racing: "I said to my driver on the way that it's my first time here this season, and it's nice to be back.

"I was very pleased with that. We were slightly worried about the quick comeback after being off the track for so long, but there weren't many options for him."

Storm Force was purchased for 230,000gns by Wathnan Racing at last year's Craven Breeze-Up sale, although Doyle believes he still has a way to go to fulfil that price tag.

He said: "It's hard to put a gauge where he's exactly at, but he's doing the right things. The team has done a great job of managing him because the brake pedal isn't too responsive."

The Faheys later doubled up with Horace Wallace in the 6f handicap.

Scargill strikes

Trainer Dr Jon Scargill enjoyed his first success in nearly two and a half years with Nothing But Love in the 7f fillies' maiden. The four-year-old was ending a wait since April 2024 for another Scargill winner, albeit from just 18 runners in that period.

Rising four-timer

Hope Rising landed her fourth win in a row with a clear-cut verdict at 11-4 in the 1m5f handicap.

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.