Newcomer Weatherstaff takes Maiden Stakes

There were only six runners in the EBF Maiden Stakes, but almost all were fancied and it was the Mark Johnston-trained newcomer Weatherstaff who came out best in the hands of Greg Fairley.

The 3-1 chance headed Parisian Pyramid with a quarter-mile to race and set sail for home in the six-furlong test.

Well-backed favourite Fitz Flyer emerged as a serious threat but Fairley kept the game Weatherstaff going in good style to hold that one at bay by a neck, with third-placed Jobe four and a half lengths further away.

Fairley said: “He did it well, but he was very green so I think he will improve a hell of a lot and he may be a decent little horse.”