Success at last for Wainwright at Beverley

John Wainwright claimed his first winner for 389 days when Port Ronan showed the way home at Beverley this afternoon.

That grim statistic may be slightly misleading as the Kennythorpe-based handler only has 10 horses in training.

Wainwright's relief was still palpable as the Barry McHugh-ridden grey (9-2) made all of the running to take division one of the tyregiant.com Sprint Handicap by two and a half lengths from Commander Wish.

Wainwright said: "He was my last winner (at Redcar last June) but I must have had 20 second-placed finishers since then.

"I've only got six Flat horses and four over jumps, but it's always nice to have a winner."

Of Port Ronan, the North Yorkshire trainer added: "He's in at Beverley on Monday, with a penalty, and you'd nearly say he would take his chance after that."

Mark Johnston is, of course, a far more frequent visitor to the winner's enclosure than Wainwright, and neatly illustrated the point when Miss Rosie landed the Happy 21st Birthday Rachel Shubotham Maiden Auction Stakes.

The Librettist filly also attempted to lead from the outset, but found the Nigel Tinkler-trained duo of Byrama and runner-up First Fast Now willing foes.

Johnston's 13-8 favourite was even fleetingly headed by the latter deep inside the final furlong, but Silvestre de Sousa's mount battled back for a head verdict.

Johnston, securing his 11th Beverley winner of the season, reported: "It was always in the back of my mind she might find this trip too short.

"I was even thinking the same thing during the race.

"She's a nice filly, though, and we'll probably go down that (nursery) route."