Macdillon wins at Sandown
Macdillon weaved together a number of coincidences to complete an unforgettable afternoon for his trainer Stuart Kittow at Sandown.
While a narrow victory over 4-6 favourite Kingship Spirit in the Firex EBF Maiden Stakes was enough reason for Cullompton-based Kittow to be cheerful, there was far more than originally met the eye.
"Macdillon is by Acclamation, who my father-in-law Gerald Cottrell trained and some of the owners of Acclamation also own this horse," explained Kittow.
"Acclamation won this race on his second start while his dam, Dilys, was my first winner as a trainer.
"We always knew he was our best two-year-old - we just didn't have anything to test him against.
"He was much more relaxed than on his debut and Acclamation went on to a Listed race here next month (the Dragon Stakes), so we'll have to think about that."
Macdillon, ridden by Fergus Sweeney, was returned at 8-1 and burst from the favourable stall 11 of 11 down the five-furlong course.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron's father Ian was not present to watch Mountain Pride cause a 20-1 surprise in the Mousetrap Challenge Cup Handicap.
Trainer John Dunlop is not enjoying the most productive of seasons but his one-time Derby hope bullied his rivals from the front under Steve Drowne to win tidily.
Cameron was watching at home, while Dunlop said: "He's a good little horse. We tried him twice over a mile and a quarter this season, he ran very badly and it suddenly occurred to us he didn't stay."
William Haggas gave a reminder of his capabilities by producing the lightly-raced Crete (6-1) ready to win after a 209-day absence in the Wagner UK Handicap as he galloped four and a half lengths clear of Trans Siberian.
Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, recalled: "It's funny, we got him at the same time as (Derby winner) Motivator, and Crete actually cost a bit more!
"Every time he was nearly ready to run he got another niggly problem. He got a poisoned foot, but plenty of box rest put him right."
The Fire Industry Day Handicap, also down the sprint course again, went to the highest-drawn 4-1 favourite Requisite for Ian Wood and Ryan Moore.
Wood reflected: "The draw's a big advantage around here and Ryan held his position well, which made all the difference.
"We think there's more to come and in time we'd like to get a bit of black type as she's well bred."
John Gosden had captured the EMS Radio Fire & Security Maiden Stakes with the useful Raincoat, while his Derby winner Benny The Dip was second in 1996, and although Muraweg made an instructive debut in fifth, he was weak in the betting.
Mick Channon's Managua (6-1) landed the spoils as he ousted Jazacosta by a half length with the pair clear.
Pat Eddery's yard have hit a winning streak and the run continued as Pat Dobbs rode Buddy Holly (15-2) three-quarters of a length clear of 100-30 favourite Heritage Coast in the Advanced Electronics Handicap.
