Super sub Luke Catton strikes on Mister X after Marco Ghiani stood down

Monday: Brighton

Luke Catton picked up a spare winning ride on the Stuart Williams-trained Mister X in the 6f nursery after booked rider Marco Ghiani was stood down by the BHA, who deemed him medically unfit to ride.

Mister X did not enter the parade ring due to the lateness of the change, but that didn’t faze Catton, who steered the two-year-old, a half-brother to eight winners, to a successful handicap debut.

"I haven’t managed to speak to Marco yet, so I don’t actually know what the problem is,” said Williams, who was not at the Sussex venue.

“He’s a good lad, Luke. He can do the job on the right horse, and he’s been ticking along quite nicely this year.

"Mister X has struggled in the maiden races he’s run in, so obviously dropping down to this company where he’s running off 56 has helped him a bit. He didn’t win by that far, so the handicapper’s got him about right I think."

Callum Shepherd deputised on Williams’ Shamshon, who was Ghiani’s other ride, but could manage only fourth in the 5½f handicap won by Mary Of Modena.

Family affair

It was a good day for the Gibson family as 22-year-old 7lb claimer Anna Gibson landed a third career win when guiding the Gary Moore-trained Platinum Prince to victory in the opening mile handicap for apprentice jockeys. The winner was led up by Gibson’s twin sister Chloe and watched by their parents.

Doyle double

Hollie Doyle helped Jive King get off the mark at the fourth attempt for David Evans in the 7f maiden before steering Red Alert to success in the 7f handicap, completing back-to-back wins at the track for Tony Carroll’s eight-year-old and a double for the rider.

Results, replays and analysis

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