Eddery rules at Windsor

PAT EDDERY signed off with a winner at one of his favourite racecourses as Desert Quest took the spoils in the Tote Exacta Stakes at Windsor yesterday.

And the success was due in no uncertain terms to the sort of power-packed ride Eddery has made his trademark during his 36-year riding career.

Desert Quest (6-1) ran in a visor, which appeared to aid the colt’s concentration as he survived trouble in running to come with a powerful late run and edge out 11-2 favourite Alrafid by a head.

Eddery has long been a regular visitor to Windsor and announced his retirement from the saddle there earlier this season.

And as well as having a race named after him, the 11-times champion was also given a special presentation of a framed print from fellow rider Martin Dwyer - immediately after Dwyer’s mount had got the better of Eddery’s in a tight finish for the second division of the Pat Eddery Retirement EBF Maiden Stakes.

Eddery’s horse, the Michael Stoute-trained Sion Hill, was sent off the 9-4 favourite as punters latched on to all the mounts of the course’s leading rider.

But at the line it was 10-1 chance Momtic who stayed on under strong driving from Dwyer to pip Sion Hill.

Chubbes set the sales ring alight after he destroyed his rivals in the Wedding Fair Sun 26th October Selling Stakes.

The Roger Charlton-trained gelding was sent off a warm 6-4 favourite to beat some admittedly modest rivals but he turned the race into a procession as he wrapped up a double for jockey Steve Drowne, who had also been on the mark in the opener.

Eddery had to settle second again when Yomalo was grabbed on the line by Full Spate in the Christmas Parties At Windsor Racecourse Handicap.