Old stager Tatling 'as good as new'

The Tatling raised the roof on a bustling family day at Newbury today when swooping to conquer in the Blackmore Building Contractors Handicap.

Expertly brought back to near his best by another racing veteran, trainer Milton Bradley, the 12-year-old gelding scored by a neck from 100-30 favourite Kingswinford under apprentice Jack Dean - but would have won more decisively given any luck in running.

Giving four years and upwards to his rivals, the 10-1 chance missed the break but was cantering over his field well over a furlong out and picked up immediately when a gap emerged.

Bradley will consider bringing The Tatling - who won the first of his four Group races at Goodwood six years ago - out again under a penalty at Brighton on Friday.

He said: "Didn't he pick up? I don't know what the secret is, whether it's care or attention to detail, but he's come back as good as new.

"He's been a Christian and will carry on as long as he's enjoying it. What you can be sure of is that when he tells me he's had enough he won't be made to do the job any longer."

Polly's Mark started 16-1 for the Listed EBF Chalice Stakes over a mile and a half, and got the trip well as she gave William Buick a first winner in 25 days, scoring by a length from Fallen In Love.