Banker bounces back

Compton Banker returned from the wilderness to take the opening Norfolk Hotel Birmingham Rates Stakes at Chester this afternoon.

Having been a hugely-promising sprinter two seasons ago, the Gerard Butler-trained performer had totally lost his way last year, failing by some way to find the frame on his six starts.

But with the handicapper starting to relent, Compton Banker was able to build on a promising Newbury reappearance to oblige at 7-1 under Eddie Ahern, who was notching his 12th winner of the year.

After a slow start he came fast and late to win by a neck from long-time leader James Stark, with favourite Corridor Creeper third.

‘‘He isn’t the fastest horse out of the gates so we knew Eddie might find it tricky given that he was drawn on the inside but he has been given the perfect Chester ride,’’ said Butler.

‘‘Hopefully the handicapper can’t do too much to him for this and we might look at the Wokingham.’’