Kat's out of the bag for Stubbs
Katell made a winning debut for Linda Stubbs in the Racing UK On Sky 432 Maiden Auction Stakes at Beverley today.
Overcoming a poor draw in stall two, the Statue Of Liberty gelding was near the head of affairs with two furlongs to run but it appeared greenness was going to cost him.
Saltergate, with the benefit of three previous runs, looked like putting his experience to good use but Tom Eaves managed to organise the fine-looking 8-1 shot in time for him to stretch away and win by a length and a quarter.
Bill Stubbs, representing his wife, said: "He was pulling up in front, he'll improve a stone and a half for that.
"We've been waiting a long time to run him and he wants six furlongs really. He only cost 10 grand and he might be sold to Hong Kong now, that's what we did with Theymistim who won here last year."
There was a surprise result in the Aunty Eve Apple Pie Claiming Stakes as odds-on favourite Cono Zur could only finish second to Jupiter Fidius.
Bought out of Mark Johnston's yard, Cono Zur looked like a penalty kick on paper for championship-chasing jockey Paul Hanagan, but just as David Villa's effort from the spot against Honduras in the World Cup was costly for punters, this one went awry too.
Leading apprentice James Sullivan did the steering on Kate Walton's Jupiter Fidius, who obliged at 8-1 by a length and a quarter.
"We needed a boost. We've been looking for excuses for the horses, but I just think they've been under-par," said Walton.
"That was a big drop in class for him. James is a good young jockey, he's got a future."
Tracy Waggott became the third female trainer to taste success in the afternoon when Shadowtime justified 5-2 favouritism in the Happy Birthday Philip Megginson Handicap.
Already a winner at Beverley, the five-year-old was scoring off a 5lb higher mark than he had in May for owner Harry Conlon, Waggott's biggest supporter.
Always travelling well under Andrew Mullen, Shadowtime quickened clear to beat Avonrose by a length and a quarter with Observatory Star back in third.
"He loves it here, I think it's the stiff finish that brings the best out of him," said Waggott.
"The horses are still going well, I'm already having my best season and they keep on improving.
"It's great for Harry, who has nine with me, he's my biggest supporter and has been with me since day one."
