Why answers questions at Southwell

Why Now benefited from a positive ride by Neil Callan to run out the convincing winner of the Betfred Maiden Stakes at Southwell today.

Callan had the Kevin Ryan-trained filly in front after a furlong in the six-furlong contest and though she hung badly right in the closing stages, he kept her going to beat the favourite Sharaby by an easy three lengths.

The 4-1 winner carries the colours of Sandra McCarthy, sister of Grand National-winning trainer Willie Mullins.

Mrs McCarthy’s husband, Peter, said: “We bought Why Now from Juddmonte for 22,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales in February. She was in pre-training with them.

“She’s bred to stay further, but she had shown plenty of speed for six furlongs.”