Another for Metcalfe's good mate

Darlington owner David Metcalfe’s run of success continued when Mecca’s Mate won the Grampian Country Food Group Handicap at York today in the hands of Fergal Lynch.

The David Barker-trained filly (5-1) burst into the lead over a furlong from home and ran right to the line to score by one and three-quarter lengths from Whistler, with Fictional a head away in third.

Barker was not present as he was on his way to Chester’s evening meeting.

Metcalfe, who is in the farming and haulage businesses, said: “I have only two horses with David – Mecca’s Mate, who has now won four races this season, and Sierra Vista, who has won two and who will run at Haydock on Sunday if she is all right.

“My main target for Meccas’s Mate had been the race for grey horses at Newmarket in August, but she went up to 86 after she won last time and the race is a 0-85. Never mind, she has gone and won again.”

Barker’s mother Pat, who used to hold a trainer’s licence herself, said: “David is having a great time with the two horses and long may it last. I suppose, looking ahead, we will have to run both in the Listed race at Ayr in September.”