Donohoe makes trip worthwhile
Steve Donohoe’s 800-mile trek around the UK was well rewarded when Ensnare gave him his third winner in 36 hours in the totesuper7 Handicap at Ayr.
The Newmarket-based rider was on the mark at Haydock on Saturday afternoon before moving on to Carlisle’s evening meeting, where he duly bagged another winner.
Donohoe then completed his northern tour with a visit to the Scottish venue and the trip once again bore fruit as 5-1 shot Ensnare triumphed in the nine-furlong heat.
Ian Williams’ charge came with a sustained run to lead inside the final furlong and Donohoe kept him going well to score by three-quarters of a length and a short head from Diamond Lass and Primo Way.
Before heading off on the 380-mile journey back to Newmarket, Donohoe explained: “I stayed over in Carlisle last night and drove on up here this morning. I thought Ensnare would win.
“I won’t get back home until about 9.30 tonight but three winners will make it seem a bit of a shorter journey anyway!”
There was a measure of confidence behind the chance of Tukitinyasok in the Unison Celebrating Cuba’s Health Service 50th Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Backed from 6-1 to 7-2, he led from pillar to post in the hands of apprentice Slade O’Hara for a half-length win.
Trainer Roger Fisher said: “He is a nice horse and we have always thought a lot of him.
“I bought six horses for Des Johnston and this is the cheapest of the lot.
“He is very tough for a two-year-old and he is very relaxed at home. I think he will go the novice route now and he probably wants a bit more cut in the ground as he stays.”
Robin Bastiman’s horses are running into form and Secret City (9-2 co-favourite) proved the point when gaining his first success in game style under Daniel Tudhope in the toteplacepot Handicap.
Bastiman said: “We ran him early on in the season but he wasn’t quite right. He is a bit of a character and he does have to have things all his own way.
“I thought he had a good chance if he put his best foot forward and all our horses seem to be coming right now so hopefully things will pick up.”
Ian Semple produced a timely winner when Forrest Flyer (7-1) landed the toteswinger Handicap under Phillip Makin.
The five-year-old is owned by Camille Macdonald, whose husband Alan is the chairman at the course.
Semple’s assistant Tom Bogle said: “He seems to have matured this season and is enjoying his racing.
“Phillip said that turning into the straight he was fighting to get into contetion whereas in the past he wouldn’t have.”
Royal Destination, Newmarket trainer Jeremy Noseda’s first runner at the course for more than five years duly obliged in the Campbeltown Bar Stewart Scott Memorial Handicap.
Winning jockey Dale Gibson said of the 3-1 favourite: “That is two wins from two rides for Jeremy for me this season.
“Royal Destination did it well and he could be anything.”
Kargan (3-1) has been running consistently without being able to get his head in front but everything fell into place for him this time and he gained a deserved success in the Bet totepool At totesport.com Handicap.
Trainer George Foster said: “He needs to come as late as possible and Graham (Gibbons) has ridden him really well.”
