Star leads to happier days for Robinson

Weighing-room veteran Philip Robinson continued his dream comeback after six months on the sidelines with a triumphant return to Pontefract.

The 46-year-old scored an easy success on Kostar in the feature Fryston Handicap, having been hurt in the paddock when his intended mount at the West Yorkshire venue last October ducked away and wrenched his leg.

He tried to carry on but was forced to rest and underwent a major hip surgery in December.

However, he looks to be riding as well as ever and made it three wins from seven mounts back with what was a chance ride on the Clive Cox-trained sprinter.

Once Robinson asked the 13-2 shot to make his effort he turned what looked a competitive-looking six-furlong contest into a procession, going on to score by five lengths from the pace-setting Mr Wolf.

Robinson was allowed to replace Michael Fenton after Cox withdrew Perfect Star from an engagement at Windsor’s evening meeting.

Cox explained: “He’s had a good association with Kostar in the past so we got him on board. He’s a great asset.”

Great As Gold continued his love affair with long-distance races here with a hard-fought win in the Pontefract Marathon Handicap.

Making steady progress from the rear, the 7-4 favourite wore down Noddies Way in the final furlong to score by a neck.

It was Great As Gold’s third course win, his second following his success three years ago in this race, in which he has also finished second and third.

Winning trainer Brian Ellison said: “He’s always been 100% genuine. He won the staying championship here last year and is going for it again.”

Loch Jipp gave John Wainwright his first winner for six months when causing a 50-1 upset in the Went Edge Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

The American-bred filly, bought by jockey Dean McKeown for £16,000 (€23,500), made a winning debut in good style by two lengths from Far Gone.

“I’d love to win my first Hilary Needler at Beverley with her,” said Wainwright.

Varinia, who finished fourth, was relegated to eighth place for causing interference.

Her jockey, 7lb claimer Patrick Donaghy, was banned for a total of four days for careless riding and not riding to his draw.

There was another shock when the David Barron-trained A Big Sky Brewing (20-1) took the Subscribe Online Racinguk.tv Maiden Stakes.

The lightly-raced three-year-old, ridden by Paul Fessey, got a smooth run on the far side to beat the favourite Gleneagles by half a length.

Stringsofmyheart gave a gallant performance to make virtually all the running when opening her account in the Cornmarket Handicap.

It looked as though Force Group had her measure when joining her in the straight, but the 8-1 winner battled hard in the closing stages to score by half a length.

“I thought she was going to get beat, but she stayed on well,” said winning trainer Willie Haggas.

Flighty Fellow (10-1) returned to form with a bang when recording his first success in almost three years in the Catterick Races On 25th April Handicap.

Torrens (7-4) scored for favourite-backers when galloping clear of his rivals in the final furlong of the Betfair.com Apprentice Series Round 2 Handicap.

Jimmy Rogers, 18, brought the Richard Fahey-trained five-year-old with a well-timed run in the centre of the course to hold Suits Me by two lengths.