Victory Angel provides poignant first success for trainer Harvey Bastiman

Victory Angel dug deep to provide trainer Harvey Bastiman with a poignant first winner since taking over from his sister Rebecca, who sadly died aged 40 last month following a long battle with illness.

The seven-year-old finished a neck in front of King Of Stars, who claimed second after a four-way photo finish in the exciting 5f handicap.

"It's a bit emotional but I'm delighted," said Bastiman. "I took out a temporary licence last month and I'm trying to train the way my sister would have wanted as she had a great feel for the horses.

"It's great for the yard and Victory Angel did it nicely in the end. There was a decent pace and the stiff finish seemed to suit him."

Tough act to follow

Martin Harley believes the future is bright for the Alan King-trained Sonning after he powered clear to win the 1m2f handicap on his seasonal reappearance.

The three-year-old has a tough act to follow as this race was won by multiple Group 1 winner Stradivarius off a mark of 78 in 2017.

"He's starting to relax and do things right," Harley told Racing TV after his eighth winner of the year. "There's more to come from him."

Off the mark

Vintage Clarets scored in the second division of the 5f novice stakes despite jockey Paul Hanagan losing his iron while breaking from the stalls.

The son of first-season sire Ardad finished fourth in the Brocklesby on debut and justified 15-8 favouritism for trainer Richard Fahey, who doubled his tally when G For Gabrial landed the 1m4f handicap.

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