Trevor Whelan and Charlton on target again with promising Zain Nights

Trevor Whelan is having his best season on the Flat since joining Roger Charlton’s Beckhampton yard and he further illustrated his prowess in the saddle when guiding 8-1 shot Zain Nights to win the mile novice.

The former jump jockey has had a difficult beginning since switching codes, but his newly formed alliance has rejuvenated his career.

Whelan said: “When I was jump racing I was riding out for Roger during the quiet times. Unfortunately I got injured and I broke my leg at Chester and had two shoulder operations so I've missed probably seven or eight months. This year Roger has given me a lot of rides and winners and I’m very appreciative of that.”

He added: “Zain Nights is a lovely horse, he's nice natured and has an easy way of going. I thought he ran well at Nottingham and he came on a lot after that and today he jumped and travelled really well.”

“I was just waiting down the straight for a bit of room, because we were all up on top of the rail so I just switched out and [Jamie] Spencer came down our outside and headed him, but he battled back really well and was on top going away to the line.”

Molls Memory lands hat-trick

The Ed Walker-trained Molls Memory bolted up by four and three-quarter lengths in the 7f handicap for the third consecutive year under Tom Marquand, who completed a double on the day. Marquand struck earlier on 5-2 chance Hoodwinker in the 1m2f fillies’ handicap for long-standing ally William Haggas.

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