Knight out to conquer Europe

Blythe Knight is set to step up in class and head to Europe after winning the William Hill Lincoln at Redcar.

The six-year-old beat Royal Island by three-quarters of a length in the mile handicap on what was his debut for trainer John Quinn.

That victory now has the Malton handler combing the European Pattern Book as he seeks a suitable target for Blythe Knight.

He said: “He’s fine this morning but we won’t be rushing him back to action.

“I think he’s probably going to go to Europe now and we will be looking for something like a conditions or Listed race for him – maybe even a Group Three.

“He’s going to go up a few pounds for yesterday’s win and we want try to find some good opportunities for him so I would think handicaps would not really be an option.”

Blythe Knight’s success handed the stable a timely boost after Crow Wood failed to sparkle in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Quinn had been considering a trip to Aintree for the seven-year-old but running at the Grand National meeting has now been ruled out.

“He won’t be going to Aintree. He would have a 5lb penalty in the novice hurdle which would be a bit much to ask,” said Quinn.

“We will look for another hurdle for him before going back on the Flat.”