Night Prospector lands Vodafone Temple Stakes

Night Prospector landed the opening race of the Derby meeting when scoring in the Vodafone Temple Stakes at Epsom this afternoon.

Johnny Murtagh’s mount was smartly away in the five-furlong contest and the 33-1 shot was always well-placed to hold off Autumn Pearl by a length and a quarter.

Frankie Dettori did not get the gap when he needed it and he had to settle for third on the 3-1 favourite Bishop’s Court, a further half-length away.

But there was a shambolic start in the absence of stalls because of industrial action by stalls handlers.

The runners were not in a line at the off. Forever Phoenix was left at the start and took no part, while Dragon Flyer was flat-footed and trailed the field all the way.