York first for Tate

Tom Tate sent out his first winner at the course when Silidan defied top weight under Philip Robinson in the Blackwell Ox Inn Nursery at York.

Robinson had the 5-1 shot smartly away and he made the rest of the running, staying on gamely inside the last quarter of a mile to hold the persistent challenge from Rubenstar and score by a length.

Tate said: “Welsh Emperor was our first runner here last season and he was beaten a short head in a Listed race, so it is nice to have a winner.

“Silidan is tough and I said to Philip ‘canter him down and make up your mind what your are going to do in the race, either hold him up or let him go’. There is nothing in between with this horse!

“That is why I wanted Philip to ride him – he is very experienced.”