When Franny is in action he can be a very hard man to pass

When a horse is as brave as Soldier In Action's name suggests, and is ridden by a former boxing champion, you know he is going to be hard to beat.

That is how it proved in the £25,000 Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap as Franny Norton rode a masterful race from the front and the ultra-tough pair proved impossible to pass in the straight.

"Franny never looks at how many winners he has ridden but he's having a fantastic season," said trainer Mark Johnston's son and assistant Charlie after the 4-1 shot had held off the Tim Easterby-trained Snoano.