'We were stuck on the M23 for an hour and a half' - Macari makes up for Sheena West's travel hell

Traffic problems on the M23 may have affected Sheena West’s journey to the track, but the trainer ended the day celebrating when Macari struck in the 1m6f handicap.

West didn’t arrive at the Wiltshire venue until less than an hour before the race, but her frustrating journey was quickly forgotten as she recorded her first Flat winner since October.

West said: "It didn’t bother him, but I was happy to get here as we were stuck on the M23 for an hour and a half and we didn’t get here until 55 minutes before the race."

Under Rose Dawes, who was having her first winner of the season, the 3-1 shot defeated Youthful King by three-quarters of a length, with 13-8 favourite Media Mogul back in third.

It was Macari’s third run on the Flat since returning from a spell over hurdles, and his second victory this year after winning at Plumpton last month.

West said: "I was always happy to run him. He’s still quick enough for a mile and a half but he’s always going to stay as a two-and-a-half-mile hurdler.  

"He can go with whatever is available. If there’s nothing over jumps he can do it on the Flat. He’s versatile and not ground dependent. It makes such a difference having a horse who can do what you want him to."

Billy bonanza

Billy Loughnane enjoyed a double on Princess Rascal in the 1m2f fillies’ novice and Yellow Card in the 1m4f handicap.

Bay on the ball

Rumba Bay registered her third win in six starts for David Evans when landing the 6f handicap. 

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