Sanders edges championship thriller

Seb Sanders gained the upper hand in his thrilling battle with Jamie Spencer for the jockeys’ championship when partnering Alma Mater to victory at Musselburgh.

The pair began the day level on 187 winners and after four unsuccessful rides apiece, Sanders finally broke the deadlock in the Lothian Independent Dental Practitioners Maiden Stakes.

Sanders set a steady pace on the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Alma Mater before quickening the tempo in the straight.

It looked as if he was going to be swallowed up a furlong out as first Mythical Story, ridden by Spencer, then Propaganda and Lochiel challenged.

However, Sanders galvanised the 15-8 favourite for one final effort to win by one and a quarter lengths from Propaganda.

He said: “I didn’t think three out that I was going to win but she is very game. A furlong out, I thought that I had a chance again.

“She is a half-sister to Alborada (dual Champion Stakes winner) so she is now worth a lot of money.

“The title looks like it is going to go right to the wire now. I think my best chance tomorrow is going to be Borderlescott in the Listed Sprint.

“He’s a lovely horse and he deserves to win a nice race again for himself and for his trainer, Robin Bastiman.”