Firebet burns an Epsom trail
Firebet succeeded where Harbinger and Urban Poet had so abjectly failed by building on his run in the Gordon Stakes with a win at Epsom on Bank Holiday Monday.
Richard Fahey has trained the colt for under four months but has dramatically improved him - so much so he split the aforementioned pair in the Glorious Goodwood Group Two.
Both Harbinger and Urban Poet have subsequently run very badly in St Leger trials, but Firebet found the 10-furlong JRA Conditions Stakes perfectly within range to make it four from five starts in Fahey's care.
Paul Hanagan had a losing run at the course lasting over four years but the 10-11 favourite, facing just a trio of opponents, pulled in front at the three-furlong pole and did just enough to beat the persistent Midnight Cruiser by three-quarters of a length.
Market rival Tranquil Tiger (11-10) could not get his preferred position in front and was well beaten in third.
Connections donated £1,000 from their proceeds to the Injured Jockeys' Fund.
Norman Steel, representing the owners, said: "That was stepping stone for the Doonside Cup at Ayr (September 19).
"That is a Listed race and if he goes well there, I'd be really keen to go for a Group One or Group Two."
Hanagan added: "I did used to have a few winners here, but I wouldn't be here that often.
"It went perfectly - he might just be better on a flatter, galloping track."
David Probert, who drew with William Buick last season for the apprentice title, is locked in a close battle with Frederik Tylicki to retain his crown in 2009.
The baby-faced rider helped his cause with a double for boss Andrew Balding.
Constant Contact (12-1) kicked it off by never allowing his rivals a look in for the Tompkins & May Partnership Newbuild EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Siren's Gift (9-2) then got the best of a photo-finish with Jargelle for the richest prize of the day, the Tompkins & May Partnership Reactive Repairs Handicap.
Of Constant Contact, Balding said: "He's an improving horse and he looked just like his dad there - Passing Glance won the Diomed Stakes here a few years ago in similar style.
Balding added of Siren's Gift: "This was the easiest assignment she has had for a while - she had been running in Listed and Group races.
"She likes quick ground. This is her last season and while she has small black type, we'd like to find her a little Listed race to win."
Alan Munro, rider of Jargelle, was banned on September 14 for a whip violation.
The Tompkins & May Partnership Amateur Derby went to Simon Walker, widely regarded as the pre-eminent rider in the category, aboard 3-1 joint-favourite Hibiki.
"I've been second in this race three or four times so it's nice to get one at last," said Walker.
"It used to be in the Fegentri series (an international competition) but it's just for our amateurs now and it gives everyone a chance."
Another front-runner came away easily in the Chantilly Handicap as the locally-trained Theatre Street (14-1) made a winning debut for Simon Dow after her last run for Jeremy Noseda 139 days earlier.
"She showed she was a speedy filly for Noseda over the winter, maybe she just got a bit tired of the place, but she is rejuvenated," said Dow.
"Like a lot of the Epsom horses, they are running towards home so go well around here.
Cill Rialaig (3-1) just outpointed 5-2 favourite Funday in the Tompkins & May Partnership Planned Maintenance Handicap.
Trainer Hughie Morrison said: "She has a touch of class and I think there was more than meets the eye about that win.
"She is in the big handicap at Newbury in a couple of weeks, but needs about 30 to drop out."
Indy Driver (11-1) made the chequered flag just before Addwaitya in the closing Tompkins & May Partnership Void Management Handicap.
