Watcha Matey defeated Barley by two and a half lengths

Watcha Matey returned to winning form with a commanding performance in the Ripon Rowels Handicap.

Hugo Palmer’s three-year-old started the season with victories at Newmarket and Musselburgh. Although he ran credibly in the Britannia at Royal Ascot and at Newmarket’s July meeting, he struggled with the 10-furlong trip at Goodwood. However, dropping back in distance and class proved advantageous, as the 7-2 shot defeated Barley by two and a half lengths under Paul Mulrennan.

“I won against him at Musselburgh and then he put in a solid performance in the Britannia, which is a tough race. However, he probably didn't stay the trip at Goodwood,” Mulrennan noted.

Mulrennan then completed a double with High Opinion (9-2), who secured a clear-cut victory in Theakston’s Beer Festival on Saturday 28th September Handicap.

Sir Edward Lear (5-4 favourite) made a winning debut in the Harrogate Theatre Panto Tickets Now On-Sale Restricted Maiden.

Sean Dylan Bowen guided him through a gap on the rail, and James Owen’s three-year-old surged ahead to win by two and a half lengths.

Huscal (5-6) justified his odds-on favouritism in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes, though not without some difficulty.

The Charlie Hills-trained juvenile became quite agitated in the paddock and showed erratic behaviour during the race. Nonetheless, James Doyle managed to steady him and guide him to victory by a length and three-quarters.

Doyle commented, “He had a good run at Goodwood in a stronger race, and was still learning that day. Ripon can be challenging for inexperienced horses, but he travelled well despite hitting a few ridges. He should continue to improve with more experience.”