Regal Empire a 'nice surprise' as James Tate continues flying start to 2023

Friday: Southwell

James Tate is one of the most in-form trainers in Britain and enhanced his fantastic start to the new year with Regal Empire, who caused a shock in the mile novice.

A well-beaten ninth on his debut this month, the three-year-old was sent off at 22-1, but after travelling well in behind the pace he stayed on strongly under Rossa Ryan for a comfortable two-and-a-half-length victory.

Favourite Golden Speech could only manage third, being turned over at odds-on for the second successive race.

"Nice surprises are always enjoyable," said Tate, who was taking his strike-rate to 60 per cent for last two weeks.

"We expected him to be a little bit green but finish in the first three or four first time out, but he just spent the whole time at Wolverhampton gazing at the floodlights and not concentrating.

"Then I thought he would have a winning chance second time out, so I guess I was half right! It was very much a case of first day at school, which proved very important."

Tate has recorded three winners from his last five runners in the last fortnight, and lauded his staff for their help during the cold snap.

"We are enjoying it, which is nice," said Tate. "Let's face it, it's freezing cold and the lads at home are all working really hard riding fresh, older horses or just broken two-year-olds. It's nice to have a few winners to keep everyone in good spirits."

Ryan completed a double on the day in the finale, taking the 7f handicap aboard Breezyandbright for Mike Murphy and Michael Keady.

Hannon off the mark

The first-time blinkers seemed to get a better finish out of Ciao Adios, who stayed on well under Sean Levey to take division one of the 1m3f handicap, giving trainer Richard Hannon his first victory of 2023.

Results, replays and analysis

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