Willie Murphy, who trains near the Curragh in County Kildare, ended a lean spell when Beechside made the long trip from Ireland to Newcastle pay off with victory in the CPD Distribution Maiden Stakes.

Richard Fahey’s impressive start to the season continued when Halla San made a mockery of his rivals in the catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap at the Yorkshire venue.

Alfie Flits, a classy bumper horse, continues to progress after switching to the Flat and he made it two out of three under a confident ride from Dean McKeown at Pontefract.

Paul Fessey was given a 28-day ban by the stewards at Thirsk after being found to have dropped his hands and lost first place on Dotty’s Daughter in the opening race.