Cracking effort thrills Hughes

Cracking made a quick breakaway to steal the dash for the EBF Maiden Stakes at a well-attended Brighton.

Richard Hughes made all on Richard Hannon’s juvenile, sent off at 5-2, and held off Concertmaster by a length and three-quarters.

Australian rider Hugh Bowman had an interesting initiation to British racing, finishing last of the five runners on Rio Taffeta.

Hughes said: "He went a bit quick on his first run at Windsor but is a grand little horse.

"I thought he'd win, but they still have to go on the ground."

Jamie Spencer's late rally aboard Slate was foiled when the Mick Channon-trained Proper took the Alamo Rent A Car Handicap.

Chris Catlin's mount shared 11-8 joint favouritism with Slate and was soon in front.

But a motionless Spencer, holding his partner off the pace, appeared a real danger straightening for home.

However, Proper refused to give in and held his rival by three-quarters of a length.

Winning owner Billy Parish dedicated the victory to Channon's late friend, footballer Alan Ball.

The West Ilsley handler's assistant George Peckham added: "He's been running on the all-weather and just took time to adjust to it.

"He may be better on turf and has been so well at home.

"He hardly looks like he's had a race and I'd say he'll be out again soon."

Le Chiffre led home a one-two for northern-trained horses in the Racecourse Video Services Selling Stakes.

It appeared David Nicholls' representative Blackheath had stolen a decisive advantage down the far rail but Karl Burke's 3-1 scorer wore him down in the closing stages under a strong Seb Sanders drive.

A winner on four previous occasions in modest company, Le Chiffre was sold at auction for 5,200 guineas.