Turner strikes again

Hayley Turner made sure Jamie Spencer does not get too complacent in his roll as top jockey for Michael Bell as she rode her second winner since her enforced absence in the opener at Brighton.

Although Turner gets plenty of chances at Bell’s Newmarket stable, Spencer is firmly in the good books after steering Sariska home to two Oaks victories.

But he forsook Bell’s Professor John (9-2) in the 3663 First For Foodservice Median Auction Maiden Stakes for Lisa Williamson’s 8-15 favourite Faith Jicaro.

The pair got quite close at the furlong pole, meaning Turner had to switch left before driving the once-raced juvenile out to a three-quarter length success over the market leader.

For his troubles, Spencer was handed a one-day careless riding ban (August 2) for allowing Faith Jicaro to drift.

Leading female jockey Turner only made her much-publicised comeback on Friday, having had a year ban due to her suffering head injuries from an accident on the gallops overturned, and bagged her first winner back on Saturday at Nottingham.

“That was good – he was quite green under the stick as it was only his second run,” she said.

“It’s quite a difficult track for a youngster but he was very chilled out before the race and I’m sure he’ll improve.”

The rest of the day belonged to trainers John Bridger and David Evans, who both claimed doubles.

Liphook handler Bridger could not remember the last time he had saddled a brace, started as David Probert stepped in for the absent Adam Kirby on Joss Stick (6-1) in the Matthew Clark Drinks Handicap.

Megalala (14-1) and Neil Chalmers completed the trick in the IT First Handicap.