Astrac enters record books with gallant second

Astrac put up a gallant effort to take second place at Chepstow this evening as he made history by becoming the first horse to run at every British venue that stages Flat racing.

The veteran made his 116th career appearance at his 35th different track when he ran at the Welsh course.

Paul Quinn had the old boy tucked in in mid-division in the Sky Bet Astrac Record Breaker Handicap over the straight seven furlongs, and for a few strides the gelding had hearts fluttering as he pulled out to challenge.

But he could not get to Hayley Turner on 4-1 favourite Goodenough Mover, who had been in control on the rails for a long way and ran on well to win by three lengths.

Astrac, sent off at 33-1, was eased down at the finish but still had four lengths to spare over third home Mistral Sky.

The 13-year-old’s career has spanned 11 years, during which he has amassed £157,868 in prize money.

He was bought for about 7,000 guineas at auction as a yearling for owners Clive Titcomb and Lionel Beecroft and is named after the former’s computer software company.

His trainers have been Steve Norton, Reg Akehurst, Nigel Tinkler, Gay Kelleway, David Nicholls, Angus McNae and current handler Anabel King.

Astrac’s career began at Redcar in May 1993 when, ridden by Lester Piggott, he finished sixth of nine.

He has won 17 times, his biggest success coming in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot in 1995.