Pat Phelan off to the pub after Epsom Faithfull lands her eighth success

Friday: Ascot

Pat Phelan admitted he had won enough to buy a drink or two after his remarkable mare Epsom Faithfull took her record to eight wins from 22 starts.

The five-year-old raced prominently under Rhys Clutterbuck in the 6f handicap before running out a two-length winner for her owners, the Epsom Racegoers No. 2 syndicate, on a balmy day at the royal racecourse.

The trainer said: "I fancied her a bit. I had a few quid on her at 33s and 25s. Nothing major, just enough to buy a pint in the public house tonight.

"Her dam La Fortunata placed in the Dash a few times, so I thought she would be an easy sell for an Epsom syndicate. One of the syndicate members is from Offaly and it's known as the faithful county, so that explains the name. He gets a bit of stick for it."

Just ten people make up the syndicate and they have been on an incredible journey with the mare, who was the recipient of lots of affection in the winner's enclosure.

Phelan said: "Most of these owners have been with me 16 years and they wouldn't be a big syndicate. She was an £8,000 syndication between ten people and they pay £200 a month – and they've got a dividend every year.

"These people are near and dear to my heart and great friends. If I'm syndicating something there will always be a cheque in the post."

Davies rules

He is only 17 but Harry Davies has made a striking impression in the apprentice jockey ranks and rode his second winner at the course on 4-1 shot First Ruler in the 1m2f handicap.

The 5lb claimer produced a well-timed finish on the three-year-old colt, who was held up after he broke from the widest stall and came with a powerful late run to beat Etonian by a neck.

Davies said: "This horse is still learning and we didn’t have a great draw. We managed to get a good tow into the race and the fractions were perfect for the horse.

"He’s still big and probably quite weak; he’ll come on a bit and he’s still learning. Once he hit the front he had a bit of a look and I’m sure he’ll continue to progress."

The rider is two wins behind Benoit de la Sayette in the race to be champion apprentice but isn't feeling the pressure and has a long-term outlook.

"We’ve just got to keep the momentum up," he said. "I’m only 17 and I’ve got to take my time. I have a lot of learning to do. I just don’t want it to happen too quick. I’m not sure I have one part of my game that’s better than others. I’m just enjoying it so far."

Haggas double

William Haggas enjoyed a double as Soulcombe and Hello Jumeirah ran out comfortable winners in the two 1m4f handicaps.

Results, replays and analysis

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